FACIAL MUSCLE SPASMS - AN AUSTRALIAN STUDY

Purpose: A group of patients suffering from blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm and Meige's syndrome were surveyed to determine the delay from t he onset of their condition until a correct diagnosis was reached, the attitudes of practitioners towards them and their condition, the effe ct of their condition on their lifestyle and the effects of different types of treatment on their conditions. Methods: Questionnaires were o ffered to all patients with blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm and Meige' s syndrome presenting to three ophthalmologists licensed to treat pati ents with botulinum toxin injections over a 12 month period. Results: Patients consulted an average of 4.4 practitioners before a correct di agnosis was made and many waited a number of years before obtaining sa tisfactory treatment. Approximately two-thirds of ail practitioners co nsulted were unaware of their condition.-ren per cent of patients repo rted a family history of similar conditions. Most patients received re lief from their symptoms with treatment using injections of botulinum toxin. More than 55% of patients considered themselves to have psychol ogical problems (usually relating to stress and trauma) that they asso ciated with the onset of-their condition. Conclusions: Facial muscle d ystonias are rare and patient experiences suggest that they are poorly appreciated in the medical community. From the time they first see a practitioner with symptoms of facial dystonia, patients typically wait 2 years and see four practitioners before a correct diagnosis is made . Stress may be a factor in the symptomatic onset of this condition. M any patients describe pain as part of the presenting symptomatology. B otulinum toxin seems to be effective in the management of facial spasm .