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Summary
Facial myokymia, a rare condition causing muscle twitches, was observed in two patients with polyradiculoneuropathy. Electromyography helped distinguish this condition, suggesting facial nerve involvement as a potential cause.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Facial myokymia is characterized by undulating or rippling movements of facial muscles.
- Polyradiculoneuropathy is a condition affecting multiple nerve roots.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with bilateral facial myokymia concurrently with polyradiculoneuropathy.
- Clinical presentation included involuntary, continuous, fine movements of the facial muscles on both sides of the face.
Findings:
- Electromyography (EMG) provided characteristic findings that differentiated polyradiculoneuropathy from other causes of facial movements.
- EMG results supported the hypothesis that involvement of the facial nerve outside the brainstem (extraaxial) could be a cause of facial myokymia.
Implications:
- This study highlights a potential association between facial myokymia and polyradiculoneuropathy.
- Diagnostic strategies for facial myokymia may need to consider polyradiculoneuropathy and extraaxial facial nerve involvement.
- Electromyography is a crucial tool for elucidating the pathophysiology of facial myokymia in complex neurological presentations.