Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 31, 2025
05:44
Author Spotlight: Creating a Versatile Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Model Relevant for Both Male and Female Mice
Published on: October 13, 2023
1.5K
Facial involvement in multiple sclerosis.
Masoud Etemadifar1, Masih Sabouri2, Masoumeh Zarepour3
1Department of Neurosurgery, Alzahra University Hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
|August 21, 2022
Summary
Facial palsy, myokymia, and hemifacial spasm affect a small percentage of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. These symptoms can be early indicators of MS, necessitating careful evaluation in atypical cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) can manifest with various facial symptoms.
- Facial palsy, myokymia, and hemifacial spasm are among these presentations.
- Early diagnosis and differential diagnosis are crucial for MS management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of facial palsy, myokymia, and hemifacial spasm in patients with multiple sclerosis.
- To assess the potential of these facial disorders as early signs of MS.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 2260 multiple sclerosis patients was evaluated at the Isfahan MS clinic.
- Data collected included patient demographics, disease characteristics, and facial symptom presentation.
- Observations spanned from March 2021 to March 2022.
Main Results:
- Facial palsy was observed in 3.27% of MS patients, myokymia in 1.28%, and hemifacial spasm in 0.84%.
- The average age of onset for these facial symptoms ranged from 29 to 31 years.
- No significant correlation was found between facial presentation type and age, gender, MS subtype, or affected side.
Conclusions:
- Facial disorders can be an initial presenting sign of multiple sclerosis.
- Patients with unusual facial conditions, like atypical Bell's palsy, warrant thorough MS assessment.
- Heightened clinical suspicion for MS is recommended in cases of unexplained facial symptoms.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
1.8K
Myasthenia gravis is a neuromuscular transmission disorder characterized by weakness and increased fatigability of skeletal muscles. It is an autoimmune disease affecting approximately one in 2000 people, where antibodies against the α1 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are produced.
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which...
1.8K
01:14Muscles for Facial Expressions
2.6K
The craniofacial muscles are a collection of approximately 20 thin skeletal muscles situated beneath the skin of the face and scalp. These muscles, primarily responsible for the vast array of human facial expressions, originate from the bones or fibrous structures of the skull and extend outwards to connect with the skin. While most skeletal muscles in the body are enveloped in thick fascia, facial muscles generally have a more delicate fascial covering, with the buccinator muscle being a...
2.6K
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
6.1K
Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
6.1K
01:14Cranial Nerves: Types Part I
3.0K
Cranial nerves are responsible for transmitting motor and sensory information between the brain and various parts of the body. There are twelve pairs of cranial nerves, with the first six being essential in sensory perception, motor control, and autonomic functions related to the head and neck.
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
Olfactory Nerve (Cranial Nerve I)
The olfactory nerve, or cranial nerve I, is unique as it is purely sensory and dedicated to the sense of smell. This nerve originates in the olfactory epithelium of the...
3.0K
01:24Facial Feedback Hypothesis
235
Charles Darwin proposed that facial expressions are an evolutionary adaptation for communication. He argued that these expressions are not influenced by culture but are universal across species. For example, a snarling expression with exposed teeth signals a threat in many animals, including humans. Darwin also suggested that displaying an emotion can intensify the feeling. Smiling, for example, could enhance one's sense of happiness. This idea laid the foundation for understanding the role...
235