Subcortical Brain Abnormalities and Clinical Relevance in Patients With Hemifacial Spasm

Abstract

Purpose: Hemifacial spasm (HFS), a rare neuromuscular movement disorder, is characterized by unilateral, irregular, and paroxysmal facial muscle contractions. To explore the central neural mechanisms of HFS, we conducted vertex-wise shape analyses to investigate volume and shape alterations of subcortical structures, which could help to better understand the abnormality in distinct subcortical regions and determine alternative biomarkers of HFS. Methods: Thirty patients with HFS and 30 age-and sex-matched healthy controls provided written informed consent. T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data were collected from all participants. Vertex-wise shape analyses were performed to assess the volume and shape alterations of subcortical structures following HFS. Post hoc correlations with spasm severity and measures of mood dysfunction were applied to characterize subcortical brain alterations. Results: Compared with healthy controls, patients with HFS showed increased volume in the right caudate specifically. Furthermore, patients exhibited significant shape atrophy in the anterior medial aspect of left pallidum, together with shape expansion in the anterior ventrolateral aspect of right caudate head. In addition, shape alteration in right caudate was positively correlated with both anxiety and depression severity in patients with HFS. Conclusions: This is the first study to employ vertex-wise shape analysis to investigate subcortical brain abnormalities in patients with HFS. Our findings provide compelling evidence for subcortical brain alterations specific to HFS, and further may shed light on the pathophysiology of HFS and apply to the translational medicine.

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“…Additionally, Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) were performed to evaluate memory, attention, and executive function. The level of anxiety and depression of all participant was examined by Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM‐A) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D) 35 …”

“…The level of anxiety and depression of all participant was examined by Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM‐A) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM‐D). 35 …”

“…The level of anxiety and depression of all participant was examined by Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). 35 In addition, only MoCA, MMSE, HAM-A, and HAM-D assessments were performed once in all pain-free HCs. All neuropsychological assessments were conducted and reviewed by an experienced clinical psychologist, who was blinded to the experimental procedures.…”