[Rational medical and surgical therapy of essential facial hemispasm. Experiences in 21 cases]

After a brief review of the definition, aetiopathogenetic hypotheses and various medical and surgical treatment of idiopathic hemifacial spasm, 21 personal cases are reported. It is concluded that the most effective treatment is surgical release of the compressed nerve with various types of vascular loop. The most effective medical treatment is large doses of carbamazepine, though it does not always produce a lasting improvement.