In a first, Indian surgeons use non surgical method to treat ‘Hemifacial Spasm’

New Delhi: In a medical breakthrough, Indian doctors successfully treated the disabling hemifacial spasm of a 40-year-old patient, using non-surgical temperature controlled invasive radiofrequency ablation technology. The use of non-surgical temperature controlled invasive radiofrequency ablation technology to treat hemifacial spasm is first of its kind procedure in the world.

Commenting on his innovative approach Dr Ajaya Kashyap, Medical Director, KAS Medical Centre and MedSpa,  New Delhi said, “Hemifacial spasm is actually a nervous system disorder in which the muscles on one side of the face twitch involuntarily, this is usually caused by a blood vessel touching a facial nerve. In this procedure, we used a nerve stimulator to locate the nerve which was causing the disturbance. After carefully isolating it, we used radio frequency to kill it permanently. This is like eliminating the problem causing nerve without surgery. The procedure will lead to long term relief with no significant risks.”

While Dr Kashyap explained the procedure quite simply, for the patient, who is also a Senior Pediatrician, this was nothing short of a miracle. The patient, who suffered from hemifacial spasm from fifteen years and was not even able to open his one eye due to continuous spasm, is now well in control of his facial muscles.

“My 15-year-long journey with hemifacial spasm was a tough one. From taking Botox injections, which merely worked as a poor quick fix, as the relief was almost always partial, and the problem returned as the effect faded, to socially secluding myself, I cannot explain in words what I went through. However, despite my condition heavily affecting my professional and social life, I could not bring myself to open brain surgery, suggested by few neurosurgeons. It was my luck that I met Dr. Kashyap, which changed everything. His approach to the treatment is so innovative yet straightforward that you immediately know that it’s going to work. As an Indian and a doctor, I am deeply gratified and honoured to be part of this breakthrough procedure,” said, 40 year old Satish Mittal (Name changed to protect identity).

With a prevalence of 9.8 per 100,000 persons¹ in India, the treatment of hemifacial spasm is considered rather difficult as the surgical intervention has been the only solution available till now. But with this latest innovation in treatment modality, involving nonsurgical nerve ablation with radiofrequency, thousands of patients from across the country can now think of getting the treatment and living a normal life once again.

Dr Ajaya Kashyap, the medical Director of KAS Medical Centre Delhi, is well known for his innovative approach in reconstruction surgeries.

Reference: Scientific World Journal. 2014; PubMed. 10.1155/2014/349319