Hemifacial spasm as a feature of Chiari malformation: case report.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:

Hemifacial spasm has rarely been described as one of the presenting features of Chiari I malformation. We present a case in which we found an association between the two in the absence of a basilar impression.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:

A case of a 39-year-old man who presented with a disabling hemifacial spasm and was found to have Chiari I malformation as the possible cause is described. A foramen magnum decompression successfully relieved the hemifacial spasm. The patient remains symptom free at 20 months after the operation.

CONCLUSION:

Neurosurgeons may want to consider foramen magnum decompression as first-line surgical treatment for hemifacial spasm when it coexists with Chiari I malformation. Chiari I malformation should be considered one of the rare causes of hemifacial spasm.

• Authors: Nitin Mukerji, Peter Newman, Fred P Nath
• Journal: Neurosurgery (Neurosurgery) Vol. 67 Issue 6 Pg. E1826-30; discussion E1830 (Dec 2010) ISSN: 1524-4040 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 21107151 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Arnold-Chiari Malformation (complications)
• Decompression, Surgical (methods)
• Facial Nerve (pathology)
• Hemifacial Spasm (etiology, surgery)
• Humans
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging
• Male