J Korean Pain Soc.  1997 May;10(1):16-20.

Retrospective Study of Facial Nerve Block with O'Brien Method for Facial Spasm

• Kim C
• Kim SM
• Lee HK
• Kim SH
• Kim JH
• Kim BS

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Hemifacial spasm commonly occurs on muscles about the eye, but may also involve or spread to the entire side of the face. There are many treatment for facial spasm, such as neuro-vascular decompression, local injection of Botulium toxin, facial nerve block at stylomastoid foramen, facial nerve block with O'Brien method. The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of facial nerve block with O'Brien method.
METHODS
Forty five patients with hemifacial spasm were treated by facial nerve block with O'Brien method from January 1996 to February 1997. We reviewed the charts, retrospectively.
RESULTS
Sex ratio was l:1.7 (17 male: 28 female patients). Most patients were 40-60 years old. Most patients well tolerated facial nerve block. Three patients failed to respond to the facial nerve block We repeated the procedure within one week. Among the 45 patients who received nerve block, 35 received repeated block; 7 patients received second repeat block, 2 patients received third repeat block. After successful nerve block, all patients were free of spasm for 1 to 6 months. Average spasm-free period was 3.5 months.
CONCLUSION
Although the spasm-free period was short, these results suggest facial nerve block with O'Brien method is a safe and comfortable method for treatment of facial spasm.

Keyword

Hemifacial spasm. Anesthetic technique, facial nerve block, O'Brien block

MeSH Terms

Decompression
Facial Nerve*
Female
Hemifacial Spasm
Humans
Male
Muscles
Nerve Block
Retrospective Studies*
Sex Ratio
Spasm*