Facial spasms are common in people over 50 and may be due to compression of the facial nerve. These patients experience spasms of the muscles on one side of the face; the spasms increase in frequency and intensity over time. This is very uncomfortable for the patient and may cause permanent disability.
The best treatment for this condition is the application of botulinum toxin (Botox, Xeomin, Dysport) on the affected side of the face. The toxin relaxes muscles to stop the spasms. The treatment should be repeated every 4 to 8 months.
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