Facial spasms revealing a Parry-Romberg syndrome: A case report

Parry-Romberg syndrome (PRS) is a rare clinical entity characterized by progressive atrophy of the hemifacial region, occasionally associated with systemic manifestations. The presence of facial muscles spasms is exceptional.

We report the case of a young woman who presented with progressive atrophy of the right hemiface associated with vitiligo and facial muscles spasms. The diagnosis of Parry Romberg syndrome was retained. Electromyogram showed an intermittent motor unit potential. Cerebral MRI showed atrophy of the muscle and subcutaneous fat of the right hemiface. She received corticosteroid in combination with botulinum toxin injection, which stopped the spasms.

It is a rare condition with a poorly understood etiology, which is responsible for the delay in diagnosis often noted. The association of this syndrome with neurological signs is exceptional and rarely described in the literature. Injection of botulinum toxin associated with corticosteroids can stop the spasms but only surgery can reduce the facial deformities.

Parry-Romberg syndrome is a rare disease, more frequent in women. It poses a real diagnostic problem and its treatment is poorly codified.