HEMIFACIAL SPASM AND OTHER CRANIOFACIAL MOVEMENT-DISORDERS

Craniofacial dyskinesias encompass a variety of abnormal spontaneous c raniofacial movements that often appear similar in morphology but are, in fact, of varied cause and nature, Although hemifacial spasm and bl epharospasm are the two most common abnormal craniofacial movements, t he clinician should be cognizant of other dyskinesias, particularly cr aniofacial dystonias, tremor, tie, chorea, and stereotypies. Most cran iofacial dyskinesias respond favorably to injections of botulinum toxi n type A or oral medications. Surgical treatment may be beneficial for refractory cases.