Primary hemifacial spasm and arterial hypertension: a multicenter case-control study

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

• Primary hemifacial spasm is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary contractions of facial muscles.
• The potential association between arterial hypertension and hemifacial spasm requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the frequency of arterial hypertension in patients with primary hemifacial spasm compared to a control group.
• To determine if arterial hypertension is a confounding factor or associated risk for hemifacial spasm.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted with 115 patients diagnosed with primary hemifacial spasm and 115 matched neurologic controls.
• Matching criteria included age, sex, and referral center. Statistical analysis included adjusted odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI).

Main Results:

• Arterial hypertension occurred significantly more frequently in patients with primary hemifacial spasm (adjusted OR 2.64; 95% CI 1.3 to 5.33, p = 0.007).
• The association was stronger for left-sided hemifacial spasm (OR 4.0; 95% CI 1.4 to 11.5).
• Hypertension was observed both before and after the onset of hemifacial spasm in the study sample.

Conclusions:

• Arterial hypertension is significantly associated with primary hemifacial spasm.
• The findings suggest a potential link between hypertension and the development or progression of hemifacial spasm, especially on the left side.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this association.