Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of gabapentin in the treatment of hemifacial spasm.
Material and methods: Twenty-three patients with hemifacial spasm not suitable for surgery or therapy with botulinum toxin were treated with gabapentin. The main efficacy parameter was the percentage of spasm reduction.
Results: A clinically significant reduction of spasms was obtained by 16 patients.
Conclusion: Gabapentin was effective and safe in reducing hemifacial spasm in 16 out 23 (69.6%) patients.