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A Case-Controlled MRI/MRA Study of Neurovascular Contact in Hemifacial Spasm Neurol 53:2132-2139, Ho,S.L.,et al, 1999 See this aricle in Pubmed Article Abstract Over 88% of 44 symptomatic sides in patients with HFS had NVC of the ipsilateral facial nerve. At least 80% of symptomatic sides involved NVC at the anterior aspect of the REZ [REZ(ant.)]. Although NVC was observed in approximately half o f nonsymptomatic sides, at least 70% of them were not at REZ(ant.). NVC at the cisternal and intracanalicular portions of the facial nerve were not associated with HFS. Half of our patients with HFS had bilateral NVC, but none had bilateral symptoms. Mo st of our MR/ MRA images showed that the size and position of the arterial branches of the vertebrobasilar system were markedly asymmetric. Of patients with bilateral VNC, over 83% had asymmetric NVC sites. The anterior inferior cerebellar artery was th e most common vessel at one contact point with no indentation. The development of HFS was significantly associated with nerve indentation in NVC. The development and severity of HFS were not associated with multiple contact points in NVC. No significan t interobserver variability existed between the blinded assessments. MRI/MR angiography are accurate, fast, and safe in characterizing neurovascular contact (NVC) at the brainstem. The site of NVC and ipsilateral facial nerve indentation in NVC are sign ificant determinants for the development of hemifacial spasm (HFS). The lack of bilateral NVC at the anterior aspect of the root exit zone of the facial nerve could explain in part the lack of bilateral symptoms. The development and severity of HFS are not associated with a specific blood vessel or multiple contact points in NVC.

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(click to filter results - removes previous filter) anterior inferior cerebellar artery cranial nerves,vascular compression cranial neuropathy facial nerve hemifacial spasm MRI MRI,abnormal MRI,angiography neurovascular compression

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