Analysis of microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm (a report of 96 cases)

Objective To investigate the responsibility blood vessel, surgical effect and strategy of the microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm. Methods The clinical data of 96 patients with hemifacial spasm treated by microvascular decompression were analyzed retrospectively. Results The blood vessels that compressed the facial nerve root-exit-brain stem zone were found in the operation. All the vessels were arteries. Of 96 patients, symptoms were completed remission in 34, significantly reduced in 13, invalid in 2 and recurrenced in 1. Conclusions Microvascular decompression is the most effective method for hemifacial spasm. Skilled microsurgical technique, recognition of the responsibility blood vessel and the deposition of the cotton are the key to the surgery.