EMG-monitoring of „lateral spread“ during microvascular decompression for hemifacial spasm – a forgotten neurophysiological tool

Objective: Microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm still presents a challenge regarding postoperative outcome. Insufficient improvement in a certain proportion of patients undergoing MVD for hemifacial spasm is a limitation for this treatment. Therefore, botulinum toxin has emerged as an alternative treatment option. In the present study, the effect of intraoperative EMG-monitoring of lateral spread during MVD for hemifacial spasm on the outcome is presented. Methods: A consecutive series of 37 patients operated upon between 1991 and 2005 is analysed retrospectively. In 18 cases routine EMG and BA…