Involuntary facial twitching can be a troubling and even startling development. Patients often wonder if they have suffered some sort of stroke or other debilitating event. Facial twitching, also called hemifacial spasms, is caused by a misfire in the facial nerve, also known as the seventh cranial nerve. When one of these nerves, present on both sides of the face, becomes compressed by a nearby blood vessel, it can trigger involuntary facial movements.

These can be twitching or excessive blinking of the eye, or twitching motions of the forehead, cheek and mouth. Taste and hearing can also be affected. There is no pain associated with the condition, but the involuntary movements can be noticed by onlookers. This can be extremely troubling to patients with hemifacial spasms. Dr. Eric Cerrati provides treatment for facial twitching at his office in Park City.

Help for Hemifacial Spams in Utah

This condition is quite rare, and it presents during middle age in women more than men. An MRI can confirm the vascular pressure against a facial nerve that causes hemifacial spasms. In over 80% of cases, Botox® injections are successful in stopping the facial spasms by regulating the facial nerve transmissions. Botox is a neuromodulating toxin that helps moderate muscle movements.

When Botox injections prove ineffective, microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery is necessary to surgically release the facial nerve from the offending vascular component. This is a minimally invasive procedure that is highly successful. Dr. Cerrati can explain both options and answer your questions during a consultation for facial twitching treatment in his Utah office. Call or message him online to inquire about making an appointment.