Hemifacial spasm resulting from vertebrobasilar dolichoectasia in three siblings

Abstract

Hemifacial spasm is a common peripheral movement disorder that usually results from neurovascular conflict involving the facial nerve motor root exit zone. Although it is a sporadic disease, some cases of familial clustering have been reported. In this case report, we present a case of familial occurrence of hemifacial spasm with dolichoectasia of the vertebrobasilar system in three siblings. The patients responded well to botulinum toxin therapy. A genetic mechanism predisposing them to vascular abnormalities is likely to be responsible for the clinical–radiological picture in our patients.