ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF HEMIFACIAL SPASM : F-WAVES AND ABNORMAL MUSCLE RESPONSES

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of hemifacial spasm pathophysiologically.Methods: Patients with hemifacial spasm underwent an electrophysiological study of F-wave parameters of the facial nerves on the spasm side. F/M amplitude ratios, F duration and F frequency of appearance and the presence of abnormal muscle response (AMR) were compared with the asymptomatic side of the face which served as a control group.Results: Enhancement of F-wave parameters were observed on the spasm side and AMR was present in all cases on the spasm side whereas it was absent on the other side.Conclusions: Electrophysiological findings suggest the hyperexcitability of facial motor nucleus in hemifacial spasm.Key Words: Hemifacial spasm, F-wave,hyperexcitability, Facial motor nucleus.