The clinical observation of microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm

Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the efficacy of microvascular decompression(MVD) for hemifacial spasm(HFS).Methods We reviewed retrospectively the clinical data of 51 patients who suffered from hemifacial spasm and undergone MVD in our hospital.Results The compression to REZ could be observed during surgery with no exception.Among these offending arterial loops,AICA,26 cases(51.0%),PICA,16 cases(31.3%),VA,4 cases(7.8%),the combination of two arteries,5 cases(9.8%).Among all patients who undergone MVD for HFS,43 individuals are completely relieved,8 alleviated,4 stopped twitching within three weeks and another 3 stopped twitching after three months.And only one patient had no significant improvement following surgery.One patient recurred after surgery.Conclusions MVD should be the first choice in the treatment of HFS.The confirming of offending artery loop,complete depression of REZ and avoiding injury to other important structures play a key role during the operation.