A reappraisal of the value of lateral spread response monitoring in the treatment of hemifacial spasm by microvascular decompression

Abstract

Background: Primary hemifacial spasm (HFS) has specific electrophysiological features, like

Intra-operative monitoring of two facial muscles in hemifacial spasm surgery

“…Neves found there was no correlation of LSR abolishment and short term HFS recovery. However, they did find that the abolishment of LSR at the end of surgery correlated to long term HFS remission [11].…”

Correlation between idiopathic hemifacial spasm and the MRI characteristics of the vertebral artery

“…7,27 MVD has been the treatment of choice since it was developed by Gardner and Jannetta. 1,17,24,[28][29][30][31] To achieve a successful MVD, the offending artery must be recognized accurately during surgery. If a surgeon could predict the conflict site preoperatively, it would greatly facilitate the surgery.…”

“…1,2 The most common cause of HFS is compression of the facial nerves by cerebral vessels, and the condition rarely resolves spontaneously. 22,24 Curative treatment of HFS involves surgical microvascular decompression (MVD), which is accepted as a safe and definitive treatment. 20,[23][24][25] MRI has an important role in the diagnosis of HFS.…”

“…22,24 Curative treatment of HFS involves surgical microvascular decompression (MVD), which is accepted as a safe and definitive treatment. 20,[23][24][25] MRI has an important role in the diagnosis of HFS. In over 1000 patients who underwent MVD, we noted that most patients with HFS had an anatomical variation of the VA. 26 In this study the correlation between the anatomy of the VA and the side of HFS symptoms was analyzed retrospectively using MRI.…”

Analysis of interpeak latencies of brainstem auditory evoked potential waveforms during microvascular decompression of cranial nerve VII for hemifacial spasm

“…6,12 Microvascular decompression was performed using a retromastoid craniotomy with the patient in a park bench position, and the patient was maintained on a balance of inhalational and intravenous anesthetic agents. The conflicting vessels were identified, and CN VII was freed by placement of Teflon pledgets.…”