hemifacial spasm
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Related to hemifacial spasm: blepharospasm
hemifacial spasm
a disorder of the facial nerve characterized by unilateral involuntary paroxysmal contractions of the facial muscles, caused by high-frequency bursts of motor units lasting from a few msec to several seconds; reported causes include compression of the ipsilateral facial nerve near its exit from the pons by a vascular malformation, compression of the ipsilateral facial nerve by a posterofossa neoplasm, and idiopathic derivations.
Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012
he·mi·fa·cial spasm
(hem'ē-fā'shăl spazm)A facial nerve disorder, with onset in late adult life, characterized by episodes of irregular, sometimes painful, myoclonic contractions of various facial muscles; triggered by voluntary or reflex movements of the face, spasm typically begins in the orbicularis oculi muscle and then spreads; occasionally a sequela of Bell palsy, but more often the result of proximal compression of the facial nerve by an aberrant blood vessel or neoplasm.
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
he·mi·fa·cial spasm
(hem'ē-fā'shăl spazm)Disorder of facial nerve characterized by unilateral involuntary paroxysmal contractions of facial muscles, caused by high-frequency bursts of motor units lasting from a few milliseconds to several seconds.
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012