How Hemifacial Spasm is Diagnosed
The diagnosis of hemifacial spasm involves a thorough physical examination, review of medical history, and the use of advanced imaging tests like MRI or CT scans and angiography. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) employs powerful magnets and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of the affected area. In certain cases, doctors may administer a contrast dye into a blood vessel to help identify abnormal blood vessels that might be causing irritation to the facial nerves. Another imaging technique called magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) utilizes this contrast dye during an MRI scan.
Challenges in Diagnosing Hemifacial Spasms
Identifying hemifacial spasms can be a complex task due to their resemblance to symptoms associated with other disorders like Bell’s Palsy. Since the blood vessels surrounding the seventh cranial nerve are not easily visible through imaging tests, doctors rely on a combination of diagnostic assessments and patient’s symptom history to eliminate the possibility of other conditions. Once other disorders have been ruled out, medical professionals investigate the root cause of the spasms. In cases where no other plausible cause is found, the diagnosis usually points towards an artery compressing the seventh cranial nerve.