A 46-year-old patient from Cijantung, East Jakarta, shared his personal journey in dealing with hemifacial spasm (facial tic) or twitching on the left side of his face. He had been experiencing this condition for about 3–4 years, characterized by uncontrollable movements in his left cheek that gradually became more disruptive.
At first, the patient sought treatment by consulting several neurologists. The initial solutions offered were medication and Botox injections. After approximately six injections, he felt some improvement, but the results were temporary. The twitching always returned once the effects of Botox wore off.
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The patient’s search for a solution to facial twitching
Determined not to give up, the patient continued searching for more information through social media, Google, and even ChatGPT. During his research, he came across the name Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS—widely known as Dr. Joy—a neurosurgeon practicing at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
During his consultation, Dr. Joy explained that the patient’s condition was related to the seventh cranial nerve. Pressure from dilated blood vessels, caused by hypertension, was pressing on the nerve, triggering the uncontrollable facial movements on the left side.
Undergoing Microvascular Decompression (MVD) Surgery
After receiving a clear explanation, the patient decided to undergo a Microvascular Decompression (MVD) surgery. This procedure aims to relieve pressure from the blood vessels on the nerve so that the nerve can function normally again.
The surgery took place on Monday at 7:30 in the morning. The patient was in a semi-conscious state during the procedure. As soon as he woke up after the surgery, he immediately felt a significant change.
“Since I woke up from the surgery, I have never experienced twitching again, up until today,” he said with relief.
Now, the patient can return to his daily activities without discomfort. There are no more disturbances when speaking or attending meetings due to involuntary facial movements. The MVD surgery has provided his with a much better quality of life.
Profile and consultation schedule of Dr. Joy at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Dr. Joy is a renowned neurosurgeon in Indonesia. He recently earned a MURI record for the achievement of “Fastest Completion of a Doctoral Degree in Medicine.” He graduated from the University of Helsinki, Finland, in just 18 months and 12 days.
In addition to performing MVD surgery for hemifacial spasm, Dr. Joy is also experienced in Awake Brain Surgery, DSA, and microsurgery procedures.
Here is Dr. Joy’s consultation schedule (Dr. dr. Mardjono Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS) at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
- Monday: by appointment
- Tuesday: 14.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Wednesday: by appointment
- Thursday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
- Friday: 14.00 – 17.00 WIB
- Saturday: 08.00 – 12.00 WIB
If you wish to consult directly with Dr. Joy regarding brain health, do not hesitate to visit Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
For your convenience, you can use the Chat feature via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter app—available on Google Play and the App Store—to simplify your visit, check your queue number, and access complete information.
