[Facial hemispasm: modern views on the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment. Personal experience with botulinum A toxin treatment].

: The authors present current opinions on the etiology and strategies of treatment of hemifacial spasm. In the vast majority of patients it is caused by compression of facial nerve by redundant loops of vertebral and basilar arteries and their branches. It was confirmed by neuroradiology imaging techniques and during surgical interventions. In recent years a new, non-invasive method of treatment has gained a wide approval--the local injections of botulinum toxin A into contracting muscles is a highly effective (90%) and safe method of treatment. Our own material (10 patients, 22 sessions) confirms it as well.