Hemifacial spasm: report of nine cases treated by posterior fossa microsurgical decompression

Nine cases of hemifacial spasm have been treated, in our department until 1979, by posterior fossa microsurgical decompression, as described by Jannetta, without mortality or significant postoperative complications. A blood vessel was found crossing or looping the facial nerve in 8 cases. The relief of hemifacial spasm was immediate and complete in 7 cases, and partial in 1 case. This technique seems to be an effective and safe treatment, in this particular disease.