Detailed Information on Meige syndrome

Meige's syndrome is a type of dystonia. Dystonia is a group of movement disorders that vary in their symptoms, causes, progression, and treatments. This group of neurological conditions is generally characterized by involuntary muscle contractions that force the body into abnormal, sometimes painful, movements and positions (postures). Meige syndrome is also known as oral facial dystonia or Hemifacial Spasm. Hemifacial spasms are characterized by chronic twitching or spasms of one side of the face. The symptoms generally start between the ages of 40 and 70 years old and appear to be more common in women than in men.

The major symptoms involve involuntary blinking and chin thrusting. Also several may experience extreme tongue protrusion, squinting, light sensitivty, muddled speech, and uncontrollable contraction of the platysma muscle. Hemifacial spasm can effect from stimulation by a blood vessel lying too close to the nerve or may follow Bell's palsy due to incorrect regeneration of the facial nerve. In more severe cases, the spasms may cause the mouth to become clamped shut. This can make speaking, eating, and swallowing difficult.

Some patients are benefited by anticholinergics such as Artane or Cogentin and a few are benefited by muscle relaxants such as Lioresal. Anti-convulsants such as Tegretol (carbamazepine) have also been employed with sporadic benefit. In some instances, acupuncutre has been known to help. Support groups can and do help, particularly with learning to live with this disorder. Support groups have also led the way in educating doctors about Meige's syndrome.