HEMIMASTICATORY SPASM IN HEMIFACIAL ATROPHY - DIAGNOSTIC AND THERAPEUTIC ASPECTS IN 2 PATIENTS

We report two cases of hemimasticatory spasm in association with progr essive hemifacial atrophy. On the basis of neurophysiological and magn etic resonance imaging assessments, a peripheral irritation of the tri geminal nerve-probably due to entrapment of the motor branches in the infratemporal fossa-is suggested as the cause of the involuntary movem ent. Local injections of botulinum toxin type A into the masticatory m uscles proved to be a successful treatment in both patients.