HEMIFACIAL SPASM ASSOCIATED WITH EXTERNAL CAROTID-ARTERY COMPRESSION OF THE FACIAL-NERVE

We report a unique case of hemifacial spasm due to compression of the facial nerve by the main trunk of the external carotid artery within t he parotid space. Decompression of the facial nerve as well as partial section of the proximal trunk of the nerve, caused the hemifacial spa sm to disappear. Our case gives support to the theory that hemifacial spasm can be caused by pressure on the facial nerve along all its cour se and not only in its intra-cranial portion.