Primary and revision surgery (selective neurectomy) for facial hyperkinesia

Symptomatic relief for hyperkinetic movements of facial musculature can be obtained by selective neurectomy of the peripheral divisions of the facial nerve with preservation of the frontal branch. Hemifacial spasm and blepharospasm represent the most common forms of facial hyperkinesia. Satisfactory results using the described technique on 191 patients were achieved in 74% of the patients with hemifacial spasm and blepharospasm in the follow-up period of one to 12 years. In hemifacial spasm, 80% were relieved after a single operation, and 95% were relieved after revision surgery. There were no major postoperative complications. Minor complications included insufficient lid closures in 1.5% of the patients and delayed wound healing with minor salivary fistulas that closed spontaneously in 7% of the patients. Resection of all fibers innervating the orbicularis oculi muscle is essential in preventing recurrence.