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Hemifacial Spasm

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The Cranial Nerves

Abstract

Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is a symptom complex of hyperactive dysfunction of the facial nerve caused by an abnormality at the root entry zone (REZ) of the nerve [13]. This abnormality, almost always vascular cross-compression, most commonly occurs as a result of the aging process just as in the other cranial nerves which are subject to hyperactive dysfunction. In this chapter, we will discuss the clinical findings in a series of 229 patients who have undergone retromastoid craniectomy (RMC) and microvascular decompression (MVD) in treatment of intractable HFS, the operative findings and results, plus an analysis of both the early work upon which provides the basis for the current experience and of the experience of several other current investigators.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    P. J. Jannetta

Authors
  1. P. J. Jannetta
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Neurosurgical Clinic, Krankenhaus Nordstadt City of Hannover, Haltenhoffstraße 41, D-3000, Hannover, Germany

    M. Samii (Professor and Chairman) (Professor and Chairman)

  2. Department of Neurological Surgery, Presbyterian University Hospital, 230 Lothrop Street, 15213, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    Peter J. Jannetta M.D. (Professor and Chairman) (Professor and Chairman)

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© 1981 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Jannetta, P.J. (1981). Hemifacial Spasm. In: Samii, M., Jannetta, P.J. (eds) The Cranial Nerves. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-67980-3_62

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-67980-3_62

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-67982-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-67980-3

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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