Microvascular Decompression for Hemimasticatory Spasm: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Abstract

Hemimasticatory spasm is a rare clinical entity characterized by involuntary and paroxysmal contractions of the jaw-closing muscles on 1 side of the face. Although its cause is not fully known, vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve has been speculated. Here, we report 1 case of hemimasticatory spasm that was cured by microvascular decompression of the motor branch of the trigeminal nerve; a relevant literature review was also performed. Hemimasticatory spasm is a rare disease that may be recalcitrant to conservative medical therapy, and vascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve may be required to relieve the spasm.