Clinical information
Understanding the diagnosis
Contractions commonly begin around the eye and may spread towards the cheek and mouth. Their frequency and intensity vary and can interfere with vision, rest and social activities.
Assessment confirms the diagnosis, excludes other causes of facial movement and evaluates the relationship between the facial nerve and blood vessels near the brainstem.
Symptoms and context
Information to review
- Repeated contractions around one eye
- Spread of spasm towards the cheek or mouth
- Involvement of only one side of the face
- Persistence during rest or sleep
- Response to and duration of botulinum-toxin treatment
Case review
Second opinion
When spasms are disabling or surgery is proposed, a second opinion helps review the imaging, response to botulinum toxin and the balance between expected benefit and the risks of decompression.
How to request a second opinion →