Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances
Published on: July 5, 2011
Risk Factors for Delayed Facial Palsy Following Microvascular Decompression in Hemifacial Spasm: A Systematic Review
Xueliang Liu1, Xuehan Li2, Zhi Hou1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China.
Background:
Delayed facial palsy (DFP) remains a significant postoperative complication following microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm. However, the underlying mechanisms of DFP remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the incidence, duration, and latency of DFP onset following MVD. A secondary objective was to identify risk factors associated with DFP in this context.
Methods:
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, WanFang, and CNKI from inception through November 24, 2024, with data retrieval completed on January 10, 2025. Eligible studies were quantitative and original, reporting potential risk factors for DFP after MVD in patients with hemifacial spasm. A single-arm meta-analysis evaluated the incidence, duration, and latency of DFP. Meanwhile, a multivariate meta-analysis identified independent risk factors.
Results:
Fifteen observational studies comprising 5262 MVD cases and 494 DFP events met inclusion criteria. The pooled incidence of DFP was 9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7-10). The average duration of DFP was 84.8 days (95% CI: 23.4-146.2), and the mean latency from surgery to onset was 10.9 days (95% CI: 4.7-17.1). Multivariate meta-analysis of nine studies using adjusted data identified facial nerve indentation (odds ratio [OR] = 12.78, 95% CI: 3.66-41.74), multiple offending vessels (OR = 6.95, 95% CI: 1.41-34.22), and longer disease duration (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.01-2.89) as significant risk factors for DFP (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
DFP is a relatively common complication after MVD, and facial nerve indentation, prolonged disease duration, and the presence of multiple offending vessels significantly increase DFP risk.
Insights
Delayed facial palsy (DFP) is a common complication after microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm. Facial nerve indentation, multiple vessels, and longer disease duration increase DFP risk.
Area of Science:
- Neurosurgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Delayed facial palsy (DFP) is a known postoperative complication of microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm.
- The precise mechanisms and risk factors for DFP remain incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence, duration, and latency of DFP following MVD.
- To identify significant risk factors associated with DFP after MVD for hemifacial spasm.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of quantitative, original studies was performed.
- Searched multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, etc.) from inception to November 2024.
- Single-arm meta-analysis for DFP incidence, duration, and latency; multivariate meta-analysis for risk factors.
Main Results:
- Fifteen studies with 5262 MVD cases reported a pooled DFP incidence of 9%.
- Average DFP duration was 84.8 days, with a mean latency of 10.9 days post-surgery.
- Facial nerve indentation (OR=12.78), multiple offending vessels (OR=6.95), and longer disease duration (OR=1.71) were significant risk factors.
Conclusions:
- DFP is a relatively common complication after MVD for hemifacial spasm.
- Facial nerve indentation, multiple offending vessels, and prolonged disease duration are key risk factors for DFP.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Assessment of the Cardiovascular System II: Inspection
Head and Neck
01:29Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation