Gabapentin for the treatment of hemifacial spasm

Pharmacologic therapy for hemifacial spasm is often limited by the paucity of effective medications and problems with side effects. Gabapentin is a novel antiepileptic drug that is generally well tolerated. Its anticonvulsant effect is independent of gamma-aminobenzoic acid (GABA) receptor mechanisms. We report a patient with hemifacial spasm who responded well to gabapentin therapy. Gabapentin may be a useful alternative medical therapy to currently used drugs.