Long-Term Outcome of Hemimasticatory Spasm

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Movement Disorders

Background:

• Hemimasticatory spasm (HMS) is a rare condition characterized by involuntary contractions of masticatory muscles.
• Understanding the long-term outcomes and treatment responses in HMS is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify demographic, clinical, and therapeutic characteristics of four patients with hemimasticatory spasm (HMS).
• To evaluate the long-term outcomes of HMS treatments in a clinical setting.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective chart review of four HMS patients.
• Data collected from outpatient neurology services between 2001 and 2020.
• Follow-up duration ranged from 2 to 9 years.

Main Results:

• Three patients presented with associated facial or bucco-oral morphea.
• Two patients experienced sustained improvement with botulinum toxin therapy (4-7 years).
• One patient showed improvement with carbamazepine, with remission post-pregnancy.

Conclusions:

• Long-term follow-up indicates significant symptom reduction or resolution in HMS patients.
• Botulinum toxin therapy and carbamazepine show potential for managing HMS.
• Complete symptom resolution was observed in some patients, even after treatment cessation.