TCM Treatment for Hemifacial Spasm
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting thin needles into the skin for a variety of health conditions. Acupuncture practiced today, including the acupuncture points and diagnostic techniques, remains similar to ancient times. The needles used in modern practice, however, are sterile, stainless steel and single-use-only for safety purposes.

An acupuncture treatment for muscle spasm should include a full physical examination and question-and-answer session. The acupuncturist may try to re-create the spasm by asking you to perform the movement or position that creates the issue in an effort to accurately diagnose and treat the issue. The acupuncturist may then choose to insert a needle on a specific acupoint or exactly where the pain is, which is called an "ashi" point. Both methods are considered appropriate and effective within the acupuncture field. If appropriate, electro-stimulation is added to the treatment by attaching small wires to the needles in order to send small micro-currents to the muscle in an effort to relax it. This is rarely painful, and many patients find the sensation enjoyable.

Treatment in Western Medicine:
Surgery
There are several surgical procedures that can be done. Microvascular decompression is one type. It involves removing the blood vessel that may be pressing on the facial nerve. They may be curative but they are often unsuitable for many patients with hemifacial spasm. There are some serious side-effects that may occur as a result of surgery. For this reason, surgery is usually reserved for cases where the spasms are severe and disabling. Surgery is also used when other treatments have failed to work or if you are particularly young.

Injections
Botulinum toxin is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It is usually associated with causing food poisoning called botulism. However, when it is used in controlled doses, it is safely used to relax excessive muscle contraction. It is injected into the facial muscles and blocks the signal from the nerve. This helps to stop the spasms. The effects of the injection last for two to three months and it starts to work within a few days. About 7-8 people out of 10 with hemifacial spasm are helped by botulinum injections.

Medicines
These can be helpful when the spasms are mild or infrequent. Anti-epileptic medicines such as carbamazepine and topiramate can be helpful in some people with hemifacial spasm. These medicines work by quieting nerve impulses. Benzodiazepine medicines such as diazepam and clonazepam are sedatives. They can relax muscle spasms but may also make you feel sleepy. The response to these medicines can vary and it may take time to get the right dose. They will need to be taken on a long-term basis.