The Journal of craniofacial surgery
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Microvascular decompression (MVD) has been accepted worldwide as a reasonable treatment for hemifacial spasm (HFS); however, resolution of the HFS is often gradual. To conclude the delayed relief rate of the MVD for the treatment of HFS, we conducted a systematic review. Using the keywords delayed relief, hemifacial spasm, or microvascular decompression, articles published in English-language journals and indexed in PubMed between June 1, 1994 and June 1, 2014 on the treatment of HFS with emphasis on delayed relief were considered for this study. ⋯ The mean rate of delayed relief was 25.4% (18.8%-37.1%). Approximately 13.1% (5.9%-19.7%) of the patients with symptom recurrence resorted to repeated MVD during the follow-up period. Accordingly, MVD is the most effective treatment for patients with HFS, but some of the patients may experienced delayed relief, which could be avoided if a thorough decompression of the facial nerve root had been obtained.
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Microvascular decompression (MVD) has been accepted worldwide as a reasonable treatment for hemifacial spasm (HFS); however, resolution of the HFS is often gradual. To conclude the delayed relief rate of the MVD for the treatment of HFS, we conducted a systematic review. Using the keywords delayed relief, hemifacial spasm, or microvascular decompression, articles published in English-language journals and indexed in PubMed between June 1, 1994 and June 1, 2014 on the treatment of HFS with emphasis on delayed relief were considered for this study. ⋯ The mean rate of delayed relief was 25.4% (18.8%-37.1%). Approximately 13.1% (5.9%-19.7%) of the patients with symptom recurrence resorted to repeated MVD during the follow-up period. Accordingly, MVD is the most effective treatment for patients with HFS, but some of the patients may experienced delayed relief, which could be avoided if a thorough decompression of the facial nerve root had been obtained.