Surgical treatment of hemifacial spasm: a systematic review
Журнал: Вопросы нейрохирургии имени Н.Н. Бурденко. 2026;90(2):112-119.
DOI: 10.17116/neiro202690021112
Read: 2048 раз
Abstract
The annual incidence of hemifacial spasm is 8-15 cases per 100.000. This disease is not life-threatening, but it significantly impacts the quality of life. Primary treatment is vascular decompression of the facial nerve. Thus, improvement of appropriate technique is crucial for higher efficacy and safety.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the optimal algorithm for vascular decompression according to available international experience in surgical treatment of hemifacial spasm.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. To identify relevant publications, we screened the PubMed, Google Scholar, and eLibrary databases through October 2024 using the keywords «microvascular decompression» and «hemifacial spasm». Only full-text articles in Russian, English, or French were included in the study.
RESULTS
Among 364 manuscripts, 24 met the inclusion criteria. The majority of studies demonstrated available experience and effectiveness of vascular decompression without description of surgical approach.
CONCLUSION
Considering global experience, we proposed an optimal surgical algorithm, including initial dissection of bulbar nerves and facial nerve decompression, if possible, along its entire length.
Keywords
- hemifacial spasm
- vascular decompression
- neurovascular conflict
- facial nerve
Дата поступления: 08.12.2025
Дата принятия в печать: 30.01.2026
Дата публикации: 03.04.2026
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