Hemifacial Spasm - Our Daughter's Story

When she was a college student, our daughter developed a little tic near her eye.   You have probably experienced something like this for a short period of time.  The problem was that this little tic continued to get worse and would not go away. 

We began to consult doctors.  Most of them felt that the tic was stress related.   And time and the tic continued to move on.

Kathy finished college and became a sales representative.   After a year or more in sales, the tic really became a problem.  The spasms would begin and people would think she was winking at them.  

I cannot imagine what we would have done without the support and encouragement of the Hemifacial Spasm Association.  We joined as soon as Dr. Sethi told us about the association.   The wonderful folks there have a very active yahoo group that you can join for free, too. 

Kathy's story is much more complete on the HFSA site (see link below).  

I hope that you will help us tell people about the HFSA.  There are neurosurgeons around the world who specialize in MVD surgeries.  It took us ten years to find the right resources.   It is our goal to help others find the HFSA and a physician who specializes in Hemifacial Spasm and Microvascular Decompression.

After waiting 9 months for Kathy's Botox to wear off, we arrived at Allegheny General Hospital and met with Dr. Jannetta.   He was so kind and his eyes sparkled like Santa Claus.  We all felt much better after meeting and talking with him.  He and Dr. Casey were wonderful to answer all of our questions about Kathy's MVD surgery.

Kathy awoke from the surgery with spasms still, but after a few days, they were gone and she remains spasm free.

Our entire family is forever grateful to the entire chain of helpful people who helped Kathy get to the right doctors and the right treatment - Dr. Houck, Dr. Sethi, Dr. Smith, and the entire HFSA!