Hemimasticatory spasm in hemifacial atrophy: diagnostic and therapeutic aspects in two patients

Mov Disord. 1995 Jul;10(4):504-7. doi: 10.1002/mds.870100417.

Abstract

We report two cases of hemimasticatory spasm in association with progressive hemifacial atrophy. On the basis of neurophysiological and magnetic resonance imaging assessments, a peripheral irritation of the trigeminal nerve--probably due to entrapment of the motor branches in the infratemporal fossa--is suggested as the cause of the involuntary movement. Local injections of botulinum toxin type A into the masticatory muscles proved to be a successful treatment in both patients.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Botulinum Toxins / administration & dosage
  • Cranial Nerve Diseases / diagnosis
  • Cranial Nerve Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cranial Nerve Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Electromyography / drug effects
  • Facial Hemiatrophy / diagnosis
  • Facial Hemiatrophy / drug therapy
  • Facial Hemiatrophy / physiopathology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Intramuscular
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Mastication / drug effects
  • Mastication / physiology*
  • Masticatory Muscles / drug effects
  • Masticatory Muscles / innervation*
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / diagnosis
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / drug therapy
  • Nerve Compression Syndromes / physiopathology*
  • Spasm / diagnosis
  • Spasm / drug therapy
  • Spasm / physiopathology*
  • Trigeminal Nerve / drug effects
  • Trigeminal Nerve / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Botulinum Toxins