Hemifacial spasm surgery brings lasting relief

For Pensacola resident, Rebecca, involuntary facial twitching was more than just a temporary annoyance. It became a constant, disruptive part of her daily life that felt like she was sending "Morse code" or constantly winking at people.

A hemifacial spasm is a condition where the muscles on one side of your face twitch without your control. This usually happens when a blood vessel presses against a facial nerve near the brain, causing the nerve to misfire.

To help Rebecca, neurosurgeon Dr. Maria Toledo with Ascension Sacred Heart Neurosurgery - Pensacola performed a specialized procedure called Microvascular Decompression (MVD) surgery. During this surgery, the doctor places a tiny, medical-grade cushion between the nerve and the blood vessel.

This small cushion permanently relieves the pressure on the nerve, which allows it to heal. For many patients like Rebecca, this simple fix stops the involuntary spasms for good.

"Caring for patients means more than performing brain surgery; it's about helping patients like Rebecca reclaim their confidence," shared Dr. Toledo.

At Ascension Sacred Heart Neurosurgery - Pensacola, our neurosurgical team is dedicated to providing compassionate care and personalized treatments for complex neurological conditions. Rebecca’s life changed once her spasms were gone, restoring her comfort and confidence.

"I’m so grateful for everybody's attention at getting me well again," Rebecca shared. "I certainly appreciate everything [Dr. Toledo] has done for me."

If you or a loved one are experiencing involuntary facial twitching, Dr. Maria Toledo is here to help. Our specialists can provide the personalized care you need to find relief and get back to the things you love.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Toledo today to learn more about your treatment options. 

When you choose Ascension Sacred Heart Neurosurgery in Northwest Florida, you will find a team of doctors who specialize in neurological disorders that affect your brain, spine and nerves. Ascension Sacred Heart has the region’s only dedicated neuro ICU and is recognized as a DNV designated Comprehensive Stroke Center. Your neurologists and neurosurgeons work with a team of brain and spine specialists from across the country, sharing best practices, knowledge and research – bringing the best of our integrated national network of care, close to home. We have the expertise to help find the cause of your symptoms and deliver a personalized care plan.

This blog is intended for general informational use. Any health-related information shared is not meant to provide or replace professional medical advice and does not establish a patient-provider relationship. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.