The Efficacy of Microvascular Decompression in Hemifacial Spasm over the Course of Time

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Microvascular decompression(MVD) at root exit zone(REZ) of the facial nerve has been largely popularized and it has become the standard treatment for patients with hemifacial spasm(HFS). This sturdy is performed to evaluate the efficacy of MVD over the course of time. METHODS: From 1994 to 2003, 50 patients with HFS who underwent MVD were followed up for more than 6 months. We retrospectively analyzed results with medical records and telephone researches. RESULTS: The mean age of patients at the time operation was 57.6 years and 84% of the patients were female. The mean duration of follow-up after operation was 3.4 years (range 0.5~7.8 years). One day after MVD, 54% of patients had complete relief of spasm immediately. Continuous improvements of HFS were observed during the follow-up period and these improvements were statistically significant with time (P<0.05). Until 6 months after operation, complete relief of spasm was observed in 84% of patients. The delayed relief of spasm was observed in 35.7% of our patients who experienced complete relief. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of MVD in HFS is improves with time. Continuous follow-up evaluations for the duration of more than at least 6 months after MVD are important for the decision of its clinical results because delayed relief of spasms occurs.