Hemifacial spasm is a neurological disorder that causes the muscles on one side of the face to twitch or contract involuntarily. In simple terms, this condition is often referred to as facial twitching that occurs repeatedly and is difficult to control. The twitching usually begins around the eye area and can spread to the cheek and the corner of the lips. In some patients, the twitching can become more frequent and more intense, even appearing when speaking, smiling, or resting. This condition not only causes discomfort but can also interfere with daily activities and reduce self-confidence due to uncontrollable facial movements.
To help treat this condition, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri provides the Microvascular Decompression (MVD) procedure performed by Mardjono Joy Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS, widely known as Dr. Joy. He is a neurosurgeon with extensive experience in treating various neurological disorders, including hemifacial spasm. The MVD procedure aims to relieve pressure from a blood vessel on the facial nerve, which is the main cause of the twitching.
The benefits of this procedure have been experienced by one of the patients, Mrs. Lie Lie, a 64-year-old woman from Jakarta. She previously suffered from hemifacial spasm that caused frequent facial twitching and interfered with her daily activities. After undergoing the MVD procedure performed by Dr. Joy at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, her condition was successfully treated.
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Hemifacial Spasm Symptoms That Disrupted Daily Activities
Mrs. Lie Lie is one of the patients who experienced hemifacial spasm. The twitching appeared on the left side of her face and was very disruptive to her daily life.
“My face kept twitching on the left side. It felt uncomfortable and very disturbing. Even when I was sleeping, it kept moving, and sometimes my eye would droop on one side,” Mrs. Lie Lie explained.
The twitching associated with hemifacial spasm can be triggered by various factors such as stress, fatigue, or even exposure to wind. In some cases, the twitching can continue even while the patient is resting or sleeping.
“When the wind blows or when the air conditioner hits my face, it starts twitching immediately. Even when I’m tired and trying to sleep, it keeps moving,” she said.
After undergoing an MRI examination, it was discovered that Mrs. Lie Lie’s symptoms were caused by hemifacial spasm related to a problem with the facial nerve.
Causes of Hemifacial Spasm and Treatment with MVD
According to Dr. Joy, hemifacial spasm usually occurs because a blood vessel is pressing against or touching the facial nerve (the seventh cranial nerve).
The pressure from the blood vessel causes irritation of the nerve, triggering facial muscle contractions that appear as twitching.
“Hemifacial spasm is a condition where twitching occurs on one side of the face. It happens because a blood vessel presses against the seventh cranial nerve, and the pulsation of the vessel triggers a nerve reaction that appears as twitching,” explained Dr. Joy.
To treat this condition more effectively, one method that can be performed is the Microvascular Decompression (MVD) procedure. This procedure aims to separate the blood vessel pressing on the nerve so that the nerve irritation can be stopped.
“MVD surgery provides a more definitive and long-term solution because the pressure from the blood vessel on the nerve is released, so the nerve is no longer irritated,” emphasized Dr. Joy.
Condition Improved After MVD Surgery
After consulting with Dr. Joy, Mrs. Lie Lie decided to undergo the MVD procedure at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri. The decision was made after she received a clear explanation about the procedure and the potential benefits.
Some time after the surgery, her condition showed significant improvement. The facial twitching that previously occurred frequently is no longer present.
“I’ve been here for a little over a week, and I’ve already started to feel better. The twitching disappeared immediately. Now it’s completely gone.”
This experience shows that the MVD procedure can be an effective solution for patients with hemifacial spasm who suffer from facial twitching that interferes with daily activities, allowing them to return to their lives more comfortably.
Dr. Joy’s Profile and Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Dr. Mardjono Joy Tjahjadi, Sp.BS, Subsp. N-Vas, F. N-Onk, PhD, FICS, IFAANS, better known as Dr. Joy, is a neurosurgeon with a subspecialty focus on cerebrovascular diseases. He has extensive experience in treating various disorders of the nervous system, particularly conditions related to abnormalities in the brain’s blood vessels.
Dr. Joy completed his doctoral studies at the University of Helsinki, Finland. His research focused on brain aneurysms, including studying how the condition develops, how it can be detected medically, and what therapeutic approaches can be used to treat it.
In addition to providing medical care for patients at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, Dr. Joy is also active in scientific and educational activities. He is the author of the book Memahami Aneurisma Otak, which has been published in two editions. The book discusses brain aneurysms comprehensively, covering the causes, disease mechanisms, diagnostic methods, and available treatment options.
In his daily clinical practice, Dr. Joy frequently handles complex neurological cases, including:
- Brain aneurysm
- Narrowing of brain blood vessels (stenosis)
- Brain hemorrhage
- Brain tumors
- Brain cancer
Supported by extensive clinical experience, a strong academic background, and training in leading neurosurgical centers around the world, Dr. Joy is recognized as one of the influential neurosurgeons in Indonesia. His expertise is highly sought after for managing complex cases related to brain blood vessels and brain tumors.
For patients who wish to consult, Dr. Joy’s practice schedule at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is as follows:
- 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
To make your visit easier, you can use the WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter application, available on Google Play and App Store, to schedule visits, check queue numbers, and obtain other important information before coming to Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri.
