Our Approach to Facial Pain & Hemifacial Spasm
The Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Facial Pain and Hemifacial Spasm Center is a recognized leader, providing comprehensive, world-class care for adults and children with facial pain and hemifacial spasm. We are ranked in the top 1% of all hospitals in the nation for neurology and neurosurgery, according to U.S. News & World Report, and an international referral site for complex cases.
Our multidisciplinary team of world-renowned, highly specialized experts in neurology and neurosurgery collaborate closely to design a personalized care plan that addresses the unique needs of each individual patient. We treat the full spectrum of facial pain and hemifacial spasm conditions, including trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm/twitch. By applying the most advanced and innovative neurological and neurosurgical care, we are able to provide a full range of treatments to relieve pain or spasms without the constant burden of medications.
Advanced Treatments
At the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Facial Pain and Hemifacial Spasm Center, we provide access to the latest and most advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques and technologies. Based on our team’s assessment, we develop individualized treatment plans that are designed to maximize our patients’ care, returning them to health as quickly as possible. We combine state-of-the-art technology and expertise to deliver the most appropriate care and least invasive treatment for the best possible outcomes.
Unmatched Expertise
If surgery is needed, our internationally recognized specialists offer the most advanced surgical treatments, including minimally invasive and open surgeries, to treat facial and throat pain and hemifacial spasm. Our world-renowned neurosurgeons are the leading authorities on deep brain stimulation surgery and experts in the treatment of trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia (extremely painful conditions affecting the face), as well as hemifacial spasm. They have vast experience in all the major therapeutic treatment modalities, including microvascular decompression, percutaneous rhizotomy and radiosurgery.
In addition to medications and botulinum toxin (Botox) injections, we offer various nonsurgical and surgical treatment options, including, among others:
- Microvascular Decompression
- Percutaneous Rhizotomy
- Glycerol Rhizotomy
- Radiofrequency Rhizotomy
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery
- Motor Cortex Stimulation
- Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Research & Clinical Trials
Our team of clinical physician-researchers collaborates to develop new neurological surgery treatments and protocols to treat facial pain and hemifacial spasms. We don’t stop at published papers or peer recognition but take our initiative into the examination room to get our patients back to functioning and living fulfilling lives.
Your Facial Pain & Hemifacial Spasm Center Team
Our multidisciplinary team of experts is at the forefront of facial pain and hemifacial spasm care, bringing real change and relief to patients by using inspired, innovative techniques and technology. Many practitioners collaborate and contribute to care, working together with the core physician team.
Vijay Agarwal, MD
Emad N. Eskandar, MD
Patrick A. Lasala, MD
Ari L. Moskowitz, MD
About Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is known for causing excruciating pain, typically on one side of the face. The pain is often described as sharp, stabbing, or shooting and can last from a few seconds to minutes. Pain episodes are often triggered by touch, sound, or other stimuli in specific areas of the face.
About Glossopharyngeal Neuralgia
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is a rare and often severe pain disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of intense, stabbing pain in the throat, tongue, and ear. This condition is caused by irritation or compression of the glossopharyngeal nerve, which is the ninth cranial nerve responsible for transmitting sensory information from the back of the throat and tongue to the brain. The causes, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis are similar to that for Trigeminal neuralgia, though in this targeting the glossopharyngeal nerve.
About Hemifacial Spasm
Hemifacial spasm is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary contractions or spasms of the muscles on one side of the face. These spasms typically begin around the eye and then progress to involve other facial muscles, causing twitching or repetitive movements. The condition is often unilateral, affecting only one side of the face. The spasms can range from mild twitching to more severe and sustained contractions and tend to become more frequent and intense over time.
