RECLAIMING CONFIDENCE AFTER YEARS OF SUFFERING FROM HEMIFACIAL SPASM
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Author: BỆNH VIỆN ĐA KHOA QUỐC TẾ NAM SÀI GÒN
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07/08/2023
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171
Dr. Le Kham Tuan, PhD – Head of the Department of Neurosurgery & Spine at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, recently performed a successful microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery for a 47-year-old female patient who had suffered from hemifacial spasm for over three years due to compression of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).
Ms. H. had been living with involuntary twitching on the left side of her face, which caused her significant emotional distress and social anxiety. “It made me feel so self-conscious that I avoided conversations and social events”, she shared.
Over the span of three years, she sought treatment at many clinics, trying various methods including medication, acupuncture, and even cosmetic procedures. Unfortunately, none provided lasting relief.
After visiting Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, Ms. H. underwent a thorough examination and brain MRI, which revealed that the cranial nerve VII was being compressed by a blood vessel. The medical team diagnosed her with hemifacial spasm and recommended the most effective treatment: Microvascular decompression surgery.
The very next morning, a surgical team from the Neurosurgery & Spine Department and the Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Unit prepared for a minimally invasive endoscope-assisted MVD procedure. Using a high-resolution surgical microscope and endoscope, the surgeons successfully separated the artery compressing the facial nerve.
Ms. H. recovered quickly. At her follow-up visit one week after surgery, the facial spasms had completely resolved, and her facial muscle control had returned to normal.
“This is a technically demanding procedure that requires precision and extreme caution to avoid damaging surrounding nerves”, explained Dr. Le Kham Tuan, PhD.
“The operating room must be equipped with both a surgical microscope and neuroendoscope. The microscope magnifies anatomical structures, helping surgeons precisely locate the nerve compression. The endoscope allows visualization of hard-to-reach areas without excessive brain retraction, minimizing surgical risks”.
He added that symptoms often improve gradually after surgery. Combined with appropriate medication, most patients achieve full recovery.
Dr. Le Trong Nghia, Specialist Level II, Deputy Head of the department, explained:
“Hemifacial spasm is a neuromuscular disorder where the muscles on one side of the face contract involuntarily. It often begins around the eye and spreads across the entire side of the face. The spasms occur without conscious control, affecting daily life and emotional wellbeing”.
He emphasized that the condition is treatable, and microvascular decompression of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) has a success rate of up to 90%.
“Patients with such symptoms should visit a hospital with a neurosurgery specialty for accurate diagnosis, MRI imaging, and access to specialized treatment techniques”, he advised.
Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital accepts both public health insurance and private health insurance.
Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital
No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.
Hotline: 18006767
info@nih.com.vn
Last updated: 17:41 07/08/2025
