Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 25, 2026

Measurement of Myocardial Lactate Production for Diagnosis of Coronary Microvascular Spasm
Published on: September 17, 2021
Validation of the Hemifacial Spasm Grading Scale: a clinical tool for hemifacial spasm
Nicola Tambasco1, Simone Simoni2, Elisa Sacchini3
1Neurology Department, University Hospital of Perugia, S. Andrea delle Fratte, Piazzale Menghini 1, 06156, Perugia, Italy. n.tambasco@libero.it.
Background:
To create an objective rating tool for hemifacial spasm (HFS) and validate it on a cohort of patients.
Methods:
A panel of movement disorders specialists elaborated, through the Delphi method, the Hemifacial Spasm Grading Scale (HSGS). The validity of the scale was tested in a longitudinal, prospective observational study, with standardized video recording protocol before and after botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) treatment. The video recordings obtained from each patient were then independently assessed with HSGS by three blinded raters. The scale was compared to patient-reported HFS-7 scale and to the clinical grading of spasm intensity scale.
Results:
Intra-rater reproducibility ranged between ICC 0.73 (95% CI = 0.54-0.86) and 0.83 (0.68-0.92) and inter-rater reproducibility between 0.62 (95% CI = 0.44-0.77) and 0.82 (0.69-0.90). HSGS scores correlated with clinical grading of spasm intensity scale scores, but not with HFS-7. HSGS confirmed BoNT efficacy, with scores lowering at 1 month from treatment.
Conclusions:
HSGS represents an objective, quick and reliable scale for the assessment of HFS, and might be useful to monitor BoNT treatment efficacy over time.
More Related Videos
10:39Qualitative and Quantitative Validation of Tools with Rating Scales Aimed at Assessing the Quality of University Service-Learning
Published on: August 29, 2025
07:35Behavioral Characterization of Pentylenetetrazole-induced Seizures: Moving Beyond the Racine Scale
Published on: July 8, 2025
Related Concept Videos
Vascular Spasm
Reliability and Validity
Graded Potential
Graded potentials fall into two categories: depolarizing and hyperpolarizing. Depolarizing graded potentials typically occur when sodium (Na+) or...
pH Scale
Types of Aggregate Grading
Well-graded aggregates include a complete range of necessary size fractions that fit together to create a dense matrix with minimal voids, represented by a smooth, continuous gradation curve. This type of grading ensures good...
Sieve Analysis and Grading Curves