SIMS Hospital Successfully Performs Life-Changing Precision Neurosurgery Guided by Advanced Neurophysiology on a 40-Year-Old Man Suffering from Hemifacial Spasm (Winking Disease)

Chennai, February 2025— Hemifacial Spasm (HFS), often referred to as “winking disease,” is a debilitating neurological condition that causes involuntary spasms on one side of the face, significantly impacting a patient’s quality of life. HFS often remains undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years, as its subtle, progressive nature is frequently mistaken for benign facial tics, stress-induced spasms, or even psychiatric conditions. Even when correctly identified, many physicians focus on symptomatic relief with botulinum toxin, unaware that Microvascular Decompression (MVD) offers a definitive surgical cure. This lack of awareness delays appropriate treatment, leaving many patients to suffer unnecessarily from a condition that can be effectively cured with surgery.

Mr. Sajeeth, a 40-year-old civil engineer and NRI from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, noticed his eye twitch for the first time 5 years back and initially he ignored as one of the occupational stress and didn’t give too much of thought. But “the twitch” spread from his Left eye to entire face and it became almost constant. When the twitch started affecting his life and confidence, he began his tryst to seek treatment and regain his confidence. He explored various medical options both locally and internationally, consulting experts from top hospitals. Most of the centers misdiagnosed it as a condition which has no treatment, and he was advised to accept and live with this condition.

However, he struggled to find a solution until he came to SIMS, where he was diagnosed as having a hemifacial spasm, a condition in which a blood vessel is touching the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). The blood pulsating through the vessel irritates the nerve, causing the muscles on one side of the face to twitch. With this diagnosis and a special MRI sequence which confirmed the suspicion of HFS, SIMS Institute of Neurosciences provided him with the permanent cure he had been searching for.

“At one point these spasms took full control of my life in a lot of ways. It made me constantly think about how I look to other people. It got so bad that after some time I was like -Please somebody help me. I met numerous Physicians both in India and abroad and I had almost given up on any cure. But with a chance encounter,  I finally found hope at SIMS Hospital. The Institute of Neurosciences at SIMS Hospital not only gave me the treatment I needed but also restored my confidence. I’m forever grateful for their expertise and care.”

Mr. Sajeeth

SIMS Hospital provides a permanent, life-changing solution for patients suffering from this condition through Microvascular Decompression (MVD) guided by Intra-Operative Neuro-monitoring (IONM).

While MVD is not available everywhere, SIMS stands out with its advanced technology and highly specialized team, ensuring the highest level of precision and safety. Our patient-first approach, combined with cutting-edge neurosurgical expertise, makes SIMS a center of excellence for those seeking lasting relief from Hemifacial Spasm.

HFS typically begins with a subtle eyelid twitch and advances to severe spasms impacting facial muscles. These spasms, with their constant and unpredictable nature, often result in embarrassment, social withdrawal, and, in many instances, depression. People often misdiagnose or overlook the condition, leaving patients with limited treatment options like temporary Botox injections, despite the long-term side effects and its profound impact it has on their lives. Botox becomes less effective with the passage of time.

The cause of HFS is a blood vessel pressing against the facial nerve near the brainstem, leading to involuntary muscle contractions. MVD is a highly effective surgical procedure that provides a permanent solution by relieving pressure on the facial nerve and eliminating spasms at their source. Many patients and even physicians are surprised to learn that the twitching of their eye and face is actually due to an abnormality in the brain.

Unlike other centers, at SIMS Hospital, our skilled Neurosurgeons, Neuroanesthetists, and Neurophysiologists use cutting-edge Advanced Intraoperative Neuro-Monitoring (IONM) signals to guide the completion of this surgery. Microvascular decompression (MVD) performed without intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) carries the risk of incomplete decompression, increasing the likelihood of recurrence and failure. The use of IONM has significantly minimized this risk, making surgical failure exceedingly rare. With this cutting-edge technology and specialized care, SIMS Hospital has successfully treated numerous patients, restored their confidence, and improved their overall quality of life.