← Return to MVD surgery for Hemifacial Spasms

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MVD surgery for Hemifacial Spasms

Brain & Nervous System | Last Active: 7 hours ago | Replies (52)
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@sharonmc2022

Hi All,

I’m new to the group and noticed that the last post was a while ago—I hope the group is still active.

I have been experiencing hemifacial spasms since 2022. In 2024, I tried Botox injections every three months for three sessions, but I decided to stop because, while they provided some relief, I didn’t like how they weakened my facial muscles.

On February 10, 2025, I underwent MVD surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. My initial recovery went well, and the spasms disappeared for the first 2–3 days. However, I was disappointed to find that they returned, and their frequency is almost the same as before surgery.

I came across an older post from @jmh that mentioned, "Total recovery with twitches gone can actually take 6–12 months." That gives me hope, and I’m curious—has anyone else experienced a similar recovery timeline?

Looking forward to reconnecting with the group, sharing experiences, and supporting one another.

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Replies to "Hi All, I’m new to the group and noticed that the last post was a while..."
jmh | @jmh | Mar 21 5:49pm

Hi Sharon and group
I believe everyone's experience is so different but let me share with you what happened. The bottom line for me .....it is a hit and miss with both the surgeries and the BOTOX. It will never go away and the blessing in it all there is no pain so I always consider myself fortunate compared to other illnesses/disorders I could have.
2016..... my right eye started to flicker so I thought it was a tired eye but got more frequent

2017-Nov 2019 .... the spasms increased in frequency and was all over my right side of my face and after an MRI in Dec.2019 I had my first surgery

Dec.2020- June 2020..... - all good, thought it was done

Sept 2020.... got another MRI as the spasms were right back and frequent - even at night

Sept.2020-June 2021....spasms were awful, effecting my eyesight,

June 2021 ..had my second surgery and the neurosurgeon said there is a 90% chance of losing my hearing because they are going closer to the nerve by the right war
He was right..... I am totally deaf on my right ear as soon as I awoke from the surgery
June 2021 - Dec.2021 - recovery was hard as I had balance issues, nausea cannot walk alone without using a stick ( to this day) Could not read or sit by a computer for very long (30 minutes)

Jan.2022 to present - spasms returned hearing is gone, still no pain. I am now getting botox every 6 weeks as we started every 3 months and that was not working. Now, it is still hit and miss with the 6 weeks Botox. Some times it helps totally and others within a few days the spasms are there
Yes my face looks concorted at times, so I just joke about it as I am with the public ( teaching) a lot and the spasms can be a distraction. So I just own it and also have a real appreciation for what people who are "different" in some way can experience.

Also one neurosurgeon I spoke with about botox said he was surprised I went for a second surgery as he said these are very dangerous,,,
There you all have ot...my story:-)

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