Misdiagnosis of hemifacial spasm is a frequent event in the primary care setting

Arquivos de Neuro-Psiquiatria

Alberto R. M. Martinez¹  Marcelo B. Nunes¹  Nayara D. Immich¹  Luiza Piovesana¹  Marcondes França Jr¹  Lidiane S. Campos¹  Anelyssa D?abreu¹ 

关键词: hemifacial spasm;    misdiagnosis;    botulinum toxin;    espasmo hemifacial;    diagnóstico;    toxina botulínica;   

DOI  :  10.1590/0004-282X20130227

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

Primary hemifacial spasm (HFS) is characterized by irregular and involuntary contraction of the muscles innervated by the ipsilateral facial nerve. Treatment controls symptoms and improves quality of life (QoL).Objective : Evaluate the initial diagnosis and treatment of HFS prior to referral to a tertiary center. Method : We interviewed through a standard questionnaire 66 patients currently followed in our center. Results : Mean age: 64.19±11.6 years, mean age of symptoms onset: 51.9±12.5 years, male/female ratio of 1:3. None of the patients had a correct diagnosis in their primary care evaluation. Medication was prescribed to 56.8%. Mean time from symptom onset to botulinum toxin treatment: 4.34 ±7.1 years, with a 95% satisfaction. Thirty percent presented social embarrassment due to HFS. Conclusion : Despite its relatively straightforward diagnosis, all patients had an incorrect diagnosis and treatment on their first evaluation. HFS brings social impairment and the delay in adequate treatment negatively impacts QoL.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
 All the contents of this journal, except where otherwise noted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License