Hemimasticatory spasm is a very rare disorder of the trigeminal nerve characterized by paroxysmal involuntary contraction of the jaw-closing muscles. Although its cause is not fully known, vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve is thought to be involved. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can indicate continuing vascular compression for hemimasticatory spasm. Here, we report a case of hemimasticatory spasm that was caused by single venous compression of the trigeminal nerve root on MRI and was confirmed by microvascular decompression surgery.
Keywords: Hemimasticatory spasm; Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); Venous compression.
© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. on behalf of University of Washington.