Treatment of hemifacial spasm with botulinum toxin.

Botulinum toxin (BT) injections were used over a two year period to treat 66 patients with disabling hemifacial spasm (HFS). Good to excellent results were obtained in 89.2% of patients for a mean period of 18 weeks. Temporary side effects occurred in about 20% of individuals EMG guidance was of assistance in injecting the lower half of the face. MRI imaging was far superior to CT scanning in the investigation of HFS.