[Facial nerve root combing scraping for hemifacial spasm].

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Neurology

Background:

• Hemifacial spasm is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary contractions of facial muscles.
• Current surgical treatments aim for efficacy and safety, with a need for minimally invasive options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intracranial facial nerve root combing scraping for hemifacial spasm.
• To explore a surgical method that is easier and safer to perform.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-five patients with hemifacial spasm underwent surgery using an improved retrosigmoid approach.
• Procedures included microvascular decompression, facial nerve root combing scraping, and partial nerve fiber cutting.
• Surgical choices were individualized based on intraoperative findings like compressing vessels.

Main Results:

• 88% of patients experienced complete obliteration of hemifacial spasms.
• Facial nerve paralysis occurred in all patients but resolved within 1-6 months.
• No hearing disturbances or other severe complications were reported, with an 8% recurrence rate over 2-8 years.

Conclusions:

• Facial nerve root combing scraping is an effective and safe microsurgical procedure for hemifacial spasm.
• The technique has broad indications and a low complication rate.
• Individualized surgical selection is crucial for optimizing outcomes and minimizing risks.