How MVD Surgery Addresses the Root Cause of Hemifacial Spasms

Living with hemifacial spasms can be exhausting. The involuntary twitching often starts around one eye and gradually spreads down the same side of the face, interfering with everything from reading to having a conversation. Medications and injections may calm the symptoms for a while, but they don't address the underlying problem. MVD surgery in New York is different because it treats the actual cause, which is a blood vessel compressing the facial nerve. 

Dr. Raymond Sekula specializes in this procedure and has helped many patients find lasting relief. Call today to schedule a consultation and learn whether you're a candidate. 

What causes hemifacial spasms? 

So, what causes hemifacial spasms? In the vast majority of cases, the answer is a small artery or vein pressing against the facial nerve near where it exits the brainstem. The facial nerve controls the muscles on that side of your face, and the constant pulsing of the blood vessel against it irritates the nerve over time. That irritation causes the nerve to misfire, sending signals the brain never intended and producing involuntary twitching in the facial muscles. 

The spasms typically begin near the eye and may progress to involve the cheek, mouth, and neck on the same side. Stress and fatigue often make them worse, but the twitching can happen at any time, even during sleep. MVD surgery may be able to help. 

How MVD surgery works 

Microvascular decompression, or MVD, is a procedure designed to relieve that pressure at its source. First, Dr. Sekula will locate the point where the blood vessel contacts the facial nerve. He then carefully repositions the vessel and places a soft cushioning between it and the nerve, so the pulsing no longer irritates it. 

Because the source of the problem is fixed, MVD surgery is far different from options like BOTOX® injections, which temporarily weaken the twitching muscles but must be repeated every few months. Patients experience long-term relief that doesn't require future treatment. 

Recovery after MVD surgery 

Most patients stay in the hospital for a night or two after MVD surgery, then continue recovering at home over the following weeks. Fatigue and mild headaches are common early on, and most people return to work and normal routines within about 4 – 6 weeks, depending on their job and overall health. 

For many patients, the involuntary twitching stops almost immediately after surgery. For others, the spasms fade gradually over weeks or months as the irritated nerve settles down. The outcomes for microvascular decompression are positive, with most patients experiencing complete or near-complete relief that lasts. During your consultation, Dr. Sekula will review your MRI, confirm the diagnosis, and give you an honest picture of what results to expect in your case. 

Find lasting relief from facial spasms in New York 

You don't have to keep managing symptoms that come back. If you have questions such as, "What causes hemifacial spasms?" or want to find out whether MVD surgery is right for you, Dr. Raymond Sekula has the specialized expertise to guide you. Call today to schedule a consultation in New York and take the first step toward calming the facial nerve.