The Korean Journal of Pain

The Korean Pain Society (대한통증학회)
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Intractable Hemifacial Spasm Treated by Pulsed Radiofrequency Treatment

  • Park, Hae Lang (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Lim, Seung Mo (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Kim, Tae Hwa (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Kang, Kyung Ho (Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Kang, Hyun (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Jung, Yong Hun (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Baek, Chong Wha (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Woo, Young Cheol (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Kim, Jin Yun (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Koo, Gill Hoi (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Shin, Hwa Yong (Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University)
  • Received : 2012.08.17
  • Accepted : 2012.10.12
  • Published : 2013.01.01
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Abstract

Hemifacial spasm is defined as unilateral, involuntary, irregular twitching of all or parts of the muscles innervated by facial nerves. Here, we present a case of recurrent hemifacial spasm after microvascular decompression (MVD) treated with pulsed radiofrequency (PRF) treatment with good results. A 35-year-old woman suffered from recurrent hemifacial spasm after MVD that was refractory to medical treatment and botulinum toxin injections. We attempted a left facial nerve block twice. Then, we applied PRF at a maximum temperature of $42^{\circ}C$ for 120 sec. Some response was observed, so we applied PRF two additional times. The frequency of twitch decreased from 3-4 Hz to < 0.5 Hz, and subjective severity on a visual analogue scale also decreased from 10/10 to 2-3/10. PRF treatment might be an effective medical treatment for refractory hemifacial spasm and has fewer complications and is less invasive compared with those of surgery.

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References

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