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Case Studies | Otorhinolaryngology | India | Volume 12 Issue 2, February 2023 | Rating: 5 / 10
Case Report: Hemifacial Spasm as a First Sign of Imminent Death
Dr. Sunil Pai | Dr. Chandaa VJ | Dr. Pooja AR
Abstract: Background: Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is characterized by tonic-clonic contractions of muscles innervated by ipsilateral facial nerve. Clinical differentials are facial spasm, facial tic, facial myokymia, blepharospasm, tardive dyskinesia and facial seizures. Case report: An elderly lady, presented to ENT-OPD with HFS, no associated significant history/neurological examination. Detailed evaluation revealed Intra-axial lesion in right motor cortex which required surgical excision. A serious life-threatening cause in relatively Benign ENT Out-patient, prompted us to review the literature. Conclusion: This case illustrates importance of considering potentially dangerous etiologies for relatively common ENT out-patient presentation. Although vascular compression of facial nerve by an ectatic vessel is considered to be most common underlying etiology. It is recommended that brain imaging is performed to ensure potential life-threatening diseases to be tackled appropriately before clinical worsening.
Keywords: Hemifacial spasm, Intra-axial lesion, Differential diagnosis, Movement disorder, Pathogenesis, Surgical treatment
Edition: Volume 12 Issue 2, February 2023,
Pages: 633 - 634