Botulinum Toxin Treatment of Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB) and Hemifacial Spasm

Abstract

Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) and hemifacial spasm are two of the most common movement disorders that affect the face. The etiology of BEB is not known. The most likely etiology of hemifacial spasm is microvascular compression at the facial nerve root exit zone from the brainstem, or less commonly at its entry point into the internal auditory meatus. Botulinum toxin therapy is currently the most common treatment modality for both disorders. Botulinum toxin inhibits the release of acetylcholine at the neuromuscular junction. It should be noted that similar movement disorders can be pharmacologically produced with Levodopa and neuroleptic antipsychotic drugs, both acutely and after long-term therapy.