The proper course of treatment for one individual may vary from what is appropriate for another individual, due to the actual condition and/or complications of that person. You should always consult your own medical team before proceeding with or deciding upon any course of treatment related to information presented on this website or elsewhere. It is understood that you need to visit with your own healthcare provider in order to reach a diagnosis for treatment.

To send an e-mail to any member listed on this page, click on the member's name.

Name Location	HFS Side	HFS Start	Botox Used	Botox Still Used	MVD	MVD #	MVD Date	MVD Doctor	Spasm Free
	Botox Comments
Lyn Abraham Inactive Memb. Toronto, Ontario (Canada)	Left	1986	Yes	No	Yes	1	10/01/03	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox from 1997-2003, 6 years. The first couple of years it was effective, now less and less effective, extremely dry eyes and post injection 10 days of an eye that did not close. I am waiting the nine months for it to wear off before surgery. MVD Comments: Spasm free immediately after surgery. Had a rotten time with the anesthetic, caused extreme vertigo but that is improving daily. Dr. Kassam thought I would not likely have hearing in that ear, but that too is improving significantly. Had Bells Palsy about ten days out, that is all but gone. (Update provided 10/31/03).
Trudy Achenbach Smyrna, DE (USA)	Right	2004	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/07/08	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Seems like the dose was not helping as much. Mouth was drooping-people were noticing. MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary.
Debbie Adams Baltimore, MD (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: I've only had to have 2 injections since my spasms started. For some pleasant reason, my spasms have gone away twice for 9 months at a time. Unfortunately, they haven't gone away this time. MVD Comments: Was scheduled for MVD on 09/03/08 with Dr. Amin Kassam, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA (USA), but cancelled surgery since spasms had stopped.
Kathy Adams Rock Hill, SC (USA)	Right	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	03/03/05	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox relieved some symptoms, created others. At one time entire side of face was drooped. Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". MVD Comments: Click here to see my "MVD Diary.
Gaurav Agarwal Jamshedpur (India)	Right	2004	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Got Dyspot injection, right side of the face became totally stiff, the affected side, bad medicine.
Peter Alcivar Somersworth, NH (USA)	Right	1998	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: I tried Botox once at end of 2001. It was not totally effective at reducing HFS, and gave me a droopy upper lip. The side effects made me decide against trying it again.
Peggy Alcorn Spokane, WA (USA)	Right	1998	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: I have had various experiences over 12 years. But lately it is not working so well. I had my last injection 07/31/07. It did not take effect for about a month. My eye was almost closed and the spasm was very active. Since that time it has periods of quiet and then short periods of spasm. MVD Comments: Scheduled for MVD Consultation on 04/14/08 with Dr. Robert Rostomily, Washington University, Seattle, WA (USA).
Sandra Aldrich Richmond, VA (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: It lasted only 3 weeks and left an asymetrical look for quite some time.
Jeffrey Alexander Pukalani, HI (USA)	Left	2003	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/04/04	Dr. Takanori Fukushima Honolulu, HI (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: I used Botox for a few years and it worked fine, but after a few years the effectiveness started to wear down, so I went for MVD. MVD Comments: Wondering if I have blepharospasm. The first MVD they found no vessels or arteries touching the 7th nerve so no decompression was performed.I was spasm free for about 2 years.
Angelique Alkarra Roseville, MI (USA)	Right	2002	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments:
Myrna Alzate Inactive Memb. Elmwood Park, NJ (USA)	Left	1994	Yes	No	Yes	2	07/27/06	Dr. Chandranath Sen New York, NY (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". MVD Comments: As of 08/02/06, still pretty weak, lost most of the hearing on the HFS side, but I'm "SPASM FREE"! (MVD #1 with Dr. Michael Schulder on 02/19/04)
Gail Amendt Breton, Alberta (Canada)	Right	2002	Yes	No	Yes	1	01/27/09	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I have been using botox every three months for two years. It worked well at first. Now it works less well and often with considerable drooping and paralysis of my mouth. MVD Comments: Update as of 02/12/09 – I now consider myself to be spasm free!!!! What a joy to go out in public and not worry about what my face looks like. I just can't stop smiling. My recovery is going very well. I did have a couple of days when I had fever and chills, my neck and back ached, and my headache was worse. Dr. Kaufmann's nurse, Janice, said that there is such a thing as "chemical meningitis", which is basically a reaction to the drugs, teflon, etc. As my symptoms only lasted a couple of days, I am inclined to think that I just had a touch of flu. Anyway, I am feeling great now and rarely get a headache unless I really overdo things.
Steve Anderson Madison, WI (USA)	Left	1995	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/11/06	Mr. Wadley Whitechapel, London (United Kingdom)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox made my face look lopsided, especially when smiling. MVD Comments: Update as of 05/14/09 - My spasms were actually worse for the first year after surgery. I continued to have Botox for the next two years, but was finally able to go without them as it appeared my nerve was beginning to heal itself. I don’ know if others have followed as long a relief period as I have, but I am here to testify that my recovery is now almost 100% after over 4 years. I had considered a second MVD, but the first surgery had many complications and I just could not bring myself to think about even running additional tests to see if a second MVD was warranted. I am count myself blessed that just waiting did prove to be all I needed to do.
Luly Andrade Inactive Memb. San Diego, CA (USA)	Left	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/04/04	Dr. John Alksne La Jolla, CA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments:
Elaina Apatoff Tabernacle, NJ (USA)	Right	1995	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/26/03	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I will never use it again. I had severe facial drooping which did not "wear off" in 3 months; at 3 months, however, the spasms returned. At 5 months post Botox, I was diagnosed by a neurologist with permanent nerve damage. More than one year later, my face recovered. Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". MVD Comments: I'm approx. 90% back from the temporary facial weakness, and it's only noticeably to me, the perfectionist, at this time. (12/15/03)
Emily Armitage Columbus, OH (USA)	Right	2007	Yes	No	Yes	1	01/14/09	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox-once...not effective at all. MVD Comments: Update as of 02/08/09 - I am happy to say that I haven't had spasms since the 8th day after my surgery. For those that experience HFS, this website in invaluable.
Mary Jo Armstrong Longwood, FL (USA)	Left		Yes	No	No
Marlene Aurit Austin, MN (USA)	Left	2006	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Update as of 09/02/07 - Just had my 4th round of Botox shots. Each time it is a little different as far as the results - but I have gotten to the point of anxiously awaiting my next shots as they help so much and give me much needed relief. The last time I had 6 shots on my left side. I usually feel results right away lasting about 1 ½ months and reach a leveling off period, then slowly starts to go the other way. The one annoyance is the dry eye, use eye drops for that. My Doctor is with the Mayo Health System and has treated patients with Botox for many years, feel very lucky to have found him.
Recep Avci Bozeman, MT (USA)	Right	2006	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/12/07	Yes	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)
	Botox Comments: My first Botox application was at the beginning of 2007. It was partially successful. My eye was under control but my mouth still ticks. I am two months into my first Botox application and I am not satisfied. MVD Comments: Update as of 01/06/08 - Had a rough recovery (mostly feeling miserable), and have had some facial palsy but no spasms, and overall I'm pleased with Dr. Kassam and the surgery.
Jim Bailey Electric City, WA (USA)	Left	1978	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Began in 1986 by going to Canada. Works quite well. I have injections approximately every 5 months. Click here to see my "Personal HFS History".
Lynda Bailey Fairport, NY (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments:Second try with Botox with a neurologist this time has left me with a partially frozen eye and blurred vision. Think this is it for Botox.
Brenda Baker Gastonia, NC (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/07/05	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments:
Jan Bakke Inactive Memb. Notodden (Norway)	Left	2004	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/20/06	Dr. Per Kristian Eide Oslo (Norway)
	Botex Comments: First time on 02/23/05
Elsie Balfour Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada)	Right	1996	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Mixed results.
Robert Banathy Canton, GA (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox has been effective in controlling symtoms, with 3 month injection intervals.
Phyllis Barlow Inactive Memb. Cochranville, PA (USA)	Right	1997	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/19/05	Dr. Eric Zager Philadelphia, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Had first Botox treatment 4 months ago. Stopped the twitching, but lost my smile. The corner of my mouth was paralized for the first 2 months and has not completely come back. Had second round 2 weeks ago, just around my eye not near my mouth. But its still affecting my mouth as far as my smile. The twitching is coming back in the lower part of my face without the botox. The eye is doing okay. I've had a few months of normalcy and seriously considering the MVD as early as I can get it. No more botox. Have learned to many negative things about it. Don't think it will be great for long term. MVD Comments: As of 09/18/06 I haven't had one twitch since I woke up from surgery. It's hard to believe a whole year has gone by. It's so wonderful to have a normal life again. Dr. Zager will forever be my personal hero. If it wasn't for the HFSA, I would never have had the nerve to even approach the idea of surgery. This site and group accomplishes so much for HFS patients every day. All the information I learned and the questions I knew to ask when visiting the surgeon gave me the peace of mind I needed to go through with it. Thank you all so much!!!
Edwin Barreiro Ringwood, NJ (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	03/01/04	Dr. Chandranath Sen St.Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY (USA).	Yes
	MVD Comments: Loss 40-50% hearing in left ear. Would still recommend MVD even with hearing loss.
Greg Barton Hartsville, TN (USA)	Right	2003	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Less effective after a couple of years of injections. (maybe 3 months of value now) Eyelid droops and cannot turn the right corner of my mouth upward. Botox is beginning to be less effective (now). Now considering stopping Botox and going for MVD surgery.
Barb Bartz Pretoria (South Africa)	Right	1987	Yes	No	Yes	2	06/22/06	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".(MVD #1 also with Dr. Jannetta on 04/01/04)
Patricia Bates Melbourne (Australia)	Right	2006	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Had 5 injections of Botox around right eye by a specialist on Febuary 25, 2007.
Lucille Beaudin Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)	Left	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/13/02	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg ,Canada.	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox injection (twice)above and below the eye, upper cheek.The injection quieted the immediate area, however it worsened the extremities of the left eybrow and upper lip. The lip dooped even worse, the eye and eyebrow stretched upward profusely and the condition was worse than ever in terms of facial looks. The eye teared for approximately 3to 4 weeks. MVD Comments 06/24/02: I have been spasm free since June 1, 2002. (My MVD was on May 14, 2002 and I had small spasms and flutterings just under the eye after surgery.) During the month of June I waited to test the waters in more stressful times and my face remains the same; very peaceful and quiet. I'm thankful every day to Dr. Kaufman and to all of you for your stories which guided me throughout tough times. I made the decision under much thought but I couldn't have followed through with surgery without all of you. I still experience some headaches.
Mary Lou Beck Delray Beach, FL (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/07/08	Drs. Peter J. Jannetta & Raymond Sekula, Jr. Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: First time was effective. the next six times, over the course of two years, had undesirable side effects of some facial paralysis, especially at the left side of my mouth. I had a distorted, one sided smile. MVD Comments: Update as of 11/18/08 - My surgery was an immediate success, I am totally spasm free. Now for the downside. I had two compressed nerves. The #7 facial nerve creating the HFS and my vestibular nerve which created an equilibrium problem. I had complete facial paralysis on the left side of my face for about 4 weeks. Then very, very gradually I started to get some movement return. It has now been 15 weeks of recovery. My forehead, eye and upper cheek area appear normal. The lower half of my cheek and around my mouth have yet to return to normal. I've been assured that it will fully repair itself within due course. At least I see continuous improvement every week albeit very slowly. The recovery to my vestibular nerve has been a nightmare. For six weeks it felt like I was living within a tornado because it was the nerve that controls your equilibrium. I am happy to report that now, 15 weeks later, I am almost back to normal with my standing and walking. Bottom line - I would do the HFS surgery again in a heartbeat. I'm thrilled with the results.
Janine Bell Maple Ridge, British Columbia (Canada)	Right	1997	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/18/05	Dr. Chris Honey Vancouver, British Columbia, (Canada)	No
	Botox Comments: June 14, 2001 (24 units) this worked well except for my eye was stuck open for three months or so. I had more Botox Dec 03, 2001 (11 units) and Dec 17, 2001 (4 units) and again March 15, 2002 (24 units), but these did not seem to work. I just had 12 units Nov 22, 2004 so I am waiting to see if it worked. MVD Comments: Update as of 05/06/08 - I had been completely spasm and twitch free since my surgery in July 2005 until a couple of months ago when HFS reared its ugly head. It started gradually, but in the past couple of weeks some days the spasms start every time I blink. That may last for 5 to 20 minutes and then nothing for a little while and then all of a sudden my face will just start twitching in full spasm. Some days it's worse than others but it's not nearly as bad as before I had the surgery. I am just fearful that it will come back full force because it started off slowly a couple of months ago and seems to be getting worse. Update as of 03/14/09 - Scheduled for MVD Consultation on 05/14/09 with Dr. Navraj S. Heran in British Columbia (Canada). Click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Roy Benear Austin, TX (USA)	Left	2001	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/19/07	Dr. Louis Whitworth Dallas, TX. (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: At first, some relief, but over time, diminishing results. MVD Comments:
Rita Benitez Miami, FL (USA)	Left	1996	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/16/02	Dr. Albert Rhoton, Jr. Gainesville, FL	No
	Botox Comments: I tried Botox for 5 years, untill I developed immunization. MVD Comments: I had my MVD on September 16, 2002 with Dr. Rhoton at Gainsville, FL. I still have twitches, I am to see Dr. Rhoton for follow up visit the week of October 21, 2002. I do not intend to have another MVD.
Don Bennett Gloversville, NY (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Botox 3 times. I have some residual effects from Botox my left eye droops some and so does my left side of my mouth. MVD Comments: Scheduled for MVD on 06/25/09 with Dr. Thomas Lovely, St. Peter's Hospital, Albany, NY (USA).
Jeannie Berger El Dorado Hills, CA (USA)	Right	1999	Yes	Yes	No
Corena Berkbigler Jackson, MO (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/17/08	Drs. Peter J. Jannetta & Raymond Sekula, Jr. Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox dried my eye sockets out and had to use cream, Restasis and liquid tears from my eye specialist. Am off of the cream but still use the Restasis morning and night and the liquid tears whenever I need them. MVD Comments: I got an appointment with Neurosurgeon Scott R Gibbs MD and he explained that he actually only performed 2 MVD and suggested we go to Pittsburgh, PA to Dr. Peter J. Jannetta, M.D. to have this surgery. He even flew to Pittsburgh to view my surgery and 4 others performed by Drs. Peter J. Jannetta & Raymond F. Sekula, JR. that very day. The results were amazing and I awoke “SPASM FREE”. My husband says I look like I did 2 1/2 years ago. My face is not drawn, my left eye is completely open, my mouth is normal and now my lower dentures do fit which I had to stop wearing them.
Iracema Bernardes Lorton, VA (USA)	Right	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/03/06	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Got tired of Botox because it made me look like a freak - one side is paralyzed. It's even difficult to drink from a cup. The injections hurt a lot. I haven't done it for 9 months. MVD Comments:
Grete Berndt Shawano, WI (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Had Botox in 2002. Stopped twitching but made my left side droop especially mouth and chin. Tried again in 2008. Left eye was noticeably more open than right and left lip drooped which made it somewhat difficult to speak and eat. Will not do it again.
Pat Berntsen Lockport, NY (USA)	Right	1988	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/10/08	Dr. Elad I. Levy Buffalo, NY (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: I have been taking Botox shots for a few years. At first they worked well although the side effects are horrible. But now, they stop working sooner. The tics are getting worse. MVD Comments: Update as of 12/13/08 - Home, still very tired, with a headache, poor equilibrium and not really very strong yet. Still have a few mild facial spasms but the doctor says until the nerve heals this is normal.
Henri Berroteran Tulsa, OK (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Controlled spasms but it impacted my speech. My lips wouldn't move correctly. My eyebrow was raised and during one experience my eye drooped. It corrected in a couple of weeks. I get teary eye.
Kurt Berry Davisburg, MI (USA)	Right	2006	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: First shots help for 30 days, second session had little results.
Wilma Bertling Sebastian, FL (USA)	Left	2004	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/16/08	Dr. Elad I. Levy Buffalo, NY (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: One Botox treatment, no improvement. MVD Comments: Update as of 09/17/08 - Successful MVD, hearing intact, no equilibrium problems and spasm free.
Jamal Best Brooklyn, NY (USA)	Left		Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: I do not like botox. I hate needle.
Ginny Bierschenk West Hempstead, NY (USA)	Left	1986	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/12/06	Dr. Chandranath Sen New York, NY (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Controlled spasms in the beginning. Face became droopy - couldn't smile. After a while was no longer getting any effects (became immuned to the botox after so many years). MVD Comments: As of 08/28/06 - Continuing to have intermittent spasms. Dr. said it may take up to 2 months for MVD to take effect.
Kirby Biggs Garland, TX (USA)	Left	1996	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Do you twitch or does your face look paralyzed.
Rob Bindler Farmingdale, NY (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	10/08/07	Dr. Chandranath Sen New York, NY (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Eye tremor was relieved but terrible sagging and paralysis of the facial muscles (like Bells palsy) on the effected side. MVD Comments: As of 10/09/08 - Sometimes I may get slight incidental spasms while drinking hot beverages or eating, but not frequent. Completely symptom free as of the end of February, 2008 (4.5 months after surgery.
Daz Bing Nottingham (United Kingdom)	Right	1999	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Just had first injections April 2006.
Laurie Bird Sherman Oaks, CA (USA)	Left	1992	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Botox, worked ok at first, gradually lasted less time.
Wendy Birnbaum Coronado, CA (USA)	Left	2006	Yes	No	Yes	1	03/12/08	Dr John Alksne La Jolla, CA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: some relief with facial asymmetry. MVD Comments: Update as of 03/15/08 - Discharged the afternoon of 03/14/08. My husband took me errand/grocery shopping today. Will report on results in a few days as I feel real "spacey "and tired now. Click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Betty Blake Portsmouth, NH (USA)	Right	1998	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: 06/01/05 - Just had first Botox treatment. Right eye won't close completely, dry and at the same time teary, blurred vision and still feeling spasms in cheek and mouth area.
Javier Blake Panama (Panama)	Right	1985	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: It worked but it deformed my face while it the Botox wore off.
Jenny Spears Bobb Gaithersburg, MD (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	01/24/08	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Needs treatment approximately every 6 months, after treatment lazy eye and blurry vision. MVD Comments: Update as of 01/24/09 - I had my MVD on 01/24/08 and the good news is that I am “SPASM FREE”. During the surgery Dr. Jannetta and Sekula noticed that the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) was damaged which is the largest branch of the vertebral and the third main arterial blood supplies for the cerebellum. To correct the problem, the Doctor’s grafted PICA, which I can probably say, is why the dizziness/vertigo was present for several months which has now been resolved. Also an incision was made in my back to insert a tube that allows the fluid from my brain to drain. I came out the hospital 01/26/08 and saw Drs. Jannetta and Sekula on 01/28/08 before traveling back to Maryland. On 02/04/08 my primary care physician removed the staples. I am really thankful for those who assisted me in making my decision. It's a blessing to be spasm free.
Brian Bockoven Fort Dodge, IA (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/15/07	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I had shots every three months. The the short term effectiveness was not worth the 4 hour drive,(one way)dry eyes, lopsided face and the pain. MVD Comments: Update as of 03/05/07 - Two weeks and three days after surgery and I am completely spasm free. I did have a few complications during surgery. The anesthesiologists had difficulty inserting the breathing tube (it took them an hour and a half). While they were trying different tools it caused bleeding in the lung and a blood clot in the lung, and eventually the right lobe collapsed - which they took care of at that time. I ended up on a ventilator through the night and stayed an extra day in the intensive care unit. That Saturday, two days following surgery, I was released from the hospital. I spent most of Saturday & Sunday recovering. Had a follow up appointment Monday morning and flew back to Iowa Monday night. Since then I have been experiencing light headaches, until just a few days ago when the headaches became more intense.
Angela Bond Basingstoke, England (United Kingdom)	Right	2006	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: 03/05/07 - Only had 2 doses so far but it is making symptoms worse rather than better, making me feel lopsided and conspicuous. Update as of 11/01/07: I am hugely delighted to report that my spasm has disappeared after about 2 years. You cannot believe what a relief it is to have normal interactions again and not to feel that each day is a struggle against the spasms. My remission or reprieve has come about after my family doctor started playing about with my blood pressure medication. After about 2 weeks on Losartan 50mg daily (double the previous dose) I realised that things had improved. It took a while to sink in, but I have now been free of the eye and mouth twitch and pulling down of my right eye for about 6 weeks. I would hesitate to suggest that this drug will work for everyone, but it has worked for me and is possibly worth a try for others? For me the key seems to have been the increase in doseage. I do still have the occasional reminder of the twitch but it is 100 per cent better than it was.
Rosalee Bond Wagga Wagga (Australia)	Right	2007	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Eases the spasm, but get dry eye where eye does not close properly and still some spasms. MVD Comments: Scheduled for MVD Consultation on 06/12/09 with Prof. Andrew Kaye in Melbourne. Surgery would be at Royal Melbourne Private Hospital in Melbourne Victoria (Australia).
Colleen Boos Calgary, Alberta (Canada),	Left	1998	Yes	No	Yes	2	03/06/07	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg (Canada) Calgary, Alberta (Canada)	Yes
	Botox Comments: After 6 years of botox, I had MVD surgery in Calgary which was not successful, I continued 3 more years on Botox and have found my face has become very sensitive and usually I'm overdosed and disabled for 2-4 weeks every 3 months. MVD Comments: (2nd MVD, 1st on 11/07/03, with Dr. Kish)
Maureen Bourke Melbourne (Australia)	Right	1994	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/31/07	Mr. Peter Dohrmann Melbourne (Australia)	No
	Botox Comments: Was effective but suffered several side effects including black eye, swollen eyelid, inverted eyelid.
Silvia Boyle Lawrence, KS (USA)	Left		Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: So far so good, stopped spasm 90% - had injections 01-03.
Dan Boynton Lincoln, MA (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences".
Bryan Bradford Inactive Memb. Garland, TX (USA)	Left	1995	Yes	No	Yes	1	03/07/03	Dr. Jonathon White Dallas, TX (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Botox injections - left face paralized - unable to smile. MVD Comments: During the MVD, they discovered that the offending artery had grown a "branch" which had fused with the seventh nerve. The branch could not be removed without causing a stroke. They did insert sponges in a couple of places where the offending artery was pushing up against the seventh nerve. I have some relief but far from complete.
Joyce Bracey Virginia Beach, VA (USA)	Both	1999	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox worked for some time then I did not see any difference but have kept on getting the shots every 3 months. I still have a hard time swallowing, eating and speaking.
Julia Bravo Glendale, CA (USA)	Right	2007	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: No side effects - first time it did not work as expected.
Gill Breeds Brackell, England (United Kingdom)	Right	1995	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: No longer taking any effect.
Susan Brendemihl McKinney, TX (USA)	Right	1999	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Botox - very effective - but caused drooping of mouth and eye.
Cindy Brockman Hamburg, NY (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: It worked for me. I had some problems with my eye not shutting. Had to use a gel and eye patch. Click here to see my "Personal HFS History".
Sherry Brockman Mechanicsburg, PA (USA)	Right	1994	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/14/98	Dr. Stephen Powers Hershey, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox injections didn't help much. MVD Comments: Having the operation is the best decision I ever made. Recovery takes a while but it is worth it.
Sharon Brott Cincinnati, OH (USA)	Right	1989	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: I can count on anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks of being pretty much spasm free after botox but also look like I have had a stroke if i smile or use any facial muscles.
Allan Brow Toronto, Ontario (Canada)	Left	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/13/08	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg (Canada)	Yes
	Botox Comments - Botox does help, but with droopiness. MVD Comments: Update as of 01/04/09 – My MVD was on 05/13/08, almost eight months ago, and I’m now “Spasm Free”. It was a very difficult surgery according to Dr. Kaufmann and he did say it could take several months. For all the members that are post-op and waiting for the spasms to stop, have patience and don't give up hope.
Janice Brueggert Sidney, OH (USA)	Left	2003	Yes	No	Yes	2	11/13/08	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: 2 botox injections 5-15-05 & 9/14/05-did not like the result-did not have any more. May have eased the spasms, but make the face droop. MVD Comments: Update as of 02/14/09 – I am still having some spasms – and they can be strong. I had noticed that I had something in my head – it turned out to be a staple – in fact there were three of them. I don’t know what would have happened if I had not noticed this – and later had an MRI. I am also having problems with back pain and am being treated by doctoring my local doctor.(MVD #1 also with Dr. Jannetta on 02/01/07).
Carolyn Burks Arlington, TX (USA)	Left	1974	Yes	No	Yes	2	11/18/04	Dr. Robert Grossman Houston,TX (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Update as of 10/22/05: Unfortunately I lost the hearing in the HFS side ear. Dr. Acosta (my neurosurgeon here in Arlington, TX. tells me that he believes most of the weakness on the hfs side will continue to improve. Unhappily, he was clear about the fact that my hearing will not return. He had discussed it all with Dr. Grossman (in Houston, TX (USA). Continue to have a bit of a CSF leak, but that is lessening, we believe. It really has been quite an adventure. I was in the hospital for nine days. Had a pretty bad CSF leak, a lumbar puncture, bladder infection, overwhelming headaches and general discomfort. But, I’m still“SPASM FREE” a year later. I feel wonderful and would do it all again even if I had known these things were going to happen. Iam very lucky and very grateful!!! (MVD #1 with Dr. Acosta on 01/15/79).
Bonnie Burnham Black River Falls, WI (USA)	Left		Yes	No	Yes	2	05/25/06	Dr. David G. Piepgras Rochester,MN (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Not much help as the main muscle on that side of my face could not be injected, and of course that is the biggest problem. MVD Comments: Update as of 05/25/07: Spasm free but have left side palsy that remains one year post-op. Had a procedure called Tarsoraphy to bring the bottom left eyelid up to prevent anymore injury due to dryness or anything airborne getting into the eye. I can close the eye somewhat, but not tight. To close the left eye I have to close both eyes. I'm very glad to be spasm free but wish I could get to full recovery and get more energy back. For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Shirley Burr Minneapolis, MN (USA)	Right	2001	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Botox injected near the eye. Constant tearing for several days; dryness and aching; couldn't blink eye; double vision.
Russ Buysse South Bend, IN (USA)	Left	2003	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	02/21/06	Dr. Hae-Dong Jho Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments - No help MVD Comments:
Laurence Cadorath Bournemouth, (United Kingdom)	Left	1994	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: First time had no effect. Tried again 6 months later and my left eyelid drooped for 4 weeks. Also my upper lip felt numb which took a long time to wear off. Will not be having any more injections.
Gwen Cameron Aurora, Ontario (Canada)	Left	1996	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/26/08	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)	Yes
	Botox Comments: It causes my eye to get very dry and sore so I use Natural tears for a couple of weeks after getting the shots. I get 5 around the eye areaand 3 in my lower cheek. MVD Comments: Update as of 12/03/08 - After 9 months of my MVD I now consider myself to be “spasm free”. I haven’t had any spasms for a few months now but wanted to wait and be sure before I said anything. I want to thank all the HFSA members as if I hadn’t found the group by accident, I probably would not have had my surgery or had contact with all the wonderful people that I have met or spoken to since joining.
Joe Campbell Riverside, CA (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	Yes>	No
	Botox Comments: First botox treatment (07/08). It is keeping my eye open, but I can't blink and my eye is dry.
Lou Campbell College Station, TX (USA)	Right	1995	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/16/04	Dr. Richard Harper Houston,TX (USA).	Yes
	Botox Comments: Tried Botox one time, had a droppy eye and face for weeks and it affected my vision so I did not try it again. Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". MVD Comments As of 06/27/04: Developed a CSF (cerebrospinal fluid leak) day 7 after my surgery. For those of you who having the surgery in the near future, REST IS ESSENTIAL..... I did not have any of the post op side effects and felt so good that I was over doing it. Dr. Harper put me on complete bed rest for 48 hours exactly one week after surgery. The leak did not stop so he added another 48 hours with the idea of me going back to Houston if the leak didn't stop. After the 3rd day of bed rest BINGO --- it stopped.
Paula Camping Inactive Memb. Peoria, AZ (USA)	Right	2001	Yes	No	Yes	2	10/16/06	Dr. Robert Spetzler Phoenix, AZ (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Helps very little,terribly dry eyes & I have some drooping, but it's not real noticeable. I do have a good Dr. that gave me the shots but I am to the point that I no longer want to mask the problem I want to fix it. MVD Comments: (MVD #1 on 06/15/04 also with Dr. Spetzler)
Linda Cannon Mart, TX (USA)	Left	2003	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Initial Botox injections causing severe drooping of eye to the point of taping it open. Botox works well sometimes and sometimes too well never last longer than two months at the most. Have been getting it put directly in eye lid has the most effect but is unbearably painful, left side of face now droops all the time have some speech and drooling problems Doesn't seem to last long enough to make up for the pain and the cost.
Britt Caple Birmingham, AL (USA)	Right	1999	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	11/21/01	Dr. Swaid Swaid Birmingham, AL (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Update as of 11/07/07 - In October 2007 I re-started Botox at the eye foundation in Birmingham Alabama. So far I'm very happy with the results this time. Dr. Swede suggested giving Botox another try before opting for another MVD. MVD Comments: Was Spasm Free for 4 years before they returned.
Vickie Capps Albany, IN (USA)	Left	1996	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/10/04	Dr. Mitesh V. Shah Indianapolis, IN (USA).	Yes
	Botox Comments - Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". MVD Comments: As of 06/12/07, I never really noticed when the spasms went away, it was so gradual. It is great not to have a jerky face any more.
Danna Caraway Cordova, AL (USA)	Left	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/05/02	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I have had two injections.The first was effective about 5 months and the second about 4 months.I have a deep ache in my eye after the injections and a lot of dryness, but the eye spasms stop.The left side of my mouth pulls at times. MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Dervil Carey Yonkers, NY (USA)	Right	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/10/06	Dr. John Boockvar Manhattan, NY (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Stopped spasms but my face still looked distorted. MVD Comments:
Jenny Carmack Inactive Memb. Burlington, KY (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/05/05	Dr. George T. Mandybur Cincinnati, OH (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments - Botox shots every 3 months 18 on left side of face and 5 in my left eye all with great results but only last a few weeks and then the beast wakes up mad and makes up for the lost time. It is painful at times as well. MVD Comments: Update as of 09/15/06 - Lost all hearing on my MVD side and still in bed 24 hours a day because of dizziness beyond belief and I vomit all the time. I had success with MVD but came out of surgery permanently deaf on MVD side and dizzy 24-7 and been in bed every day since surgery.
Craig Carr Cape Coral, FL (USA)	Right	2006	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/20/09	Dr. Siviero Agazzi Tampa, FL (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments - was given BOTOX shots (5 in all, from 2.5 to 5 units) by the nuerologit mentioned above, so I am still feeling the effects. I DO NOT WANT TO DO IT AGAIN. The droopy mouth is not working for me and I can still feel the tightness and spasm, so its strictly to stop the twitching, which is a vanity thing anyway. Well, the droopy smile is no better than the twitching! MVD Comments: Update as of 04/30/09 - Day 10 post-op and not a single spasm since waking up from surgery and residual eyelid flutter has now all but ceased as well.
Brian Carter Essex, England (United Kingdom)	Left	1982	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: I have begun to look like a stroke victim!
Carol Casey St Louis, MO (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Have had 2 botox treatments, so far, so good, Treatment at Washington University, Barnes Motion Disorder Center, St. Louis, MO (USA).
Chris Cassirer Inactive Memb. Virginia Beach, VA (USA)	Left	1996	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/30/00	Drs. Kassam & Horowitz Pittsburgh, PA	Yes
Pie Castillo Quezon City (Philippines)	Right	1997	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments - Effective but for a moment only.
Patricia Cavalier Dahlonega, GA (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/16/04	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox: very painful, I hated having my face "frozen" and I still have "lumps" from some of the injections....1 year later. MVD Comments: I have suffered high blood pressure for over 20 years. Dr Janetta found the artery touching my facial nerve was also touching the nerve responsible for the high blood pressure. He fixed both. He said I should expect my blood pressure to begin to drop in 3-4 months.
Stefi Celie Breda, Noord-Brabant (Netherlands)	Right		Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Wears out very quickly.
Fred Centrella Prospect, CT (USA)	Right	2003	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/16/07	Dr. Kenneth Vives New Haven, CT (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: OK at first but became progressively less effective. Also there was an injection miscue twice resulting in more extreme eyelid droop. MVD Comments: Update as of 08/12/07 - Spasms are still occurring but lessening in frequency & intensity.
Joyce Cerneka Arlington, TX (USA)	Left	1988	Yes	No	Yes	3	07/23/98	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA	Yes
	Botox Comments: Did Botox for over two years; at first had good results, gradually my face got weaker and weaker. In hindsight, I would not have done the Botox. if you do Botox, make sure you have someone very good administering the injections; once I had a doctor who didn't and he temporarily paralyzed my mouth. I feel that Botox has its place in this world, but for me, I was such a severe case that it didn't do any good. Post MVD Conditions - titanium mesh corner turned up, was puncturing skin and had to be rounded off. Had to cut skull, not invasive surgery.
Song Chaney Harker Heights, TX (USA)	Left	2004	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: I have had botox injections on four occasssions. The effectiveness of botox is decreasing, but side effects are getting worse. Effects include drooping of left eye and paralysis around the mouth. Last injection was on March 28, 2008.
Audrey Charles Los Angeles, CA (USA)	Left	2006	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: On 12/18/06, I was injected with a mild version of Botox at Kaiser Hospital. It did nothing. I got my second round on 04/04/07, this time it was a lot stronger. Some facial muscles are paralyzed as expected but the twitching still goes on. It's now 13 days and the results are not very gratifying. My face is peeling, I have difficulty smiling, I cannot move the chewed food from the left to the right side of the mouth without assistance, and I can’t open my mouth wide to floss the molars or to bite off two slices of bread.
Suresh Chaudhry Missouri City, TX (USA)	Right	1999	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: The effect lasts for 2 months or so, but there is excesive droopiness.
Peter Chen Rochester, MI (USA)	Right	2002	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments:
Margaret Chin (Singapore)	Left	2001	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/04/07	Dr. John Thomas (Singapore)	Yes
	Botox Comments: good for few months. MVD Comments: Update as of 09/11/07 - Woke up “SPASM FREE” and remain so today. Immdiately after my operation I woke up with double vision which made me panic. But, as the day wore on, the double vision went away. If anyone is looking for a good neurosurgeon in Asia, I highly recommend Dr. Thomas.
Frank Cipollina Rosedale, NY (USA)	Right	1989	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/23/99	Dr. Chandranath Sen New York, NY	Yes
	Botox Comments: After only 4 treatments, spread out 6 months apart, it no longer had the same effect. Decided not to get anymore after treatment of 8/98. Post MVD Conditions - None
Kim Cisecki Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada)	Left	2004	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/24/07	Drs. Daryl R. Fourney & Stephen J. Hentschel Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox worked for a few weeks but left my left upper lip permanently paralyzed. MVD Comments: Update as of 01/04/08: I had dizziness and a full ear for about a month after my surgery but otherwise I was back to normal. I was getting some spasms when I was stressed or very tired. I now consider myself to be 100% spasm free.
Elizabeth Clark Inactive Memb. Independence, MO (USA)	Left	2001	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/13/05	Dr. Jonathan Chilton Kansas City, MO (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox once. Paralized side of mouth. It was effective. Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Linda Clarkson Durango, CO (USA)	Left	2007	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Started December 2008.
Sue Cohen Spring Valley, NY (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Temporary partial improvement. Weakening of left side; expressionless; couldn't close eyelid for several weeks. MVD Comments - Scheduled for MVD on 07/09/09 with Dr. Chandranath Sen, St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital, New York, NY (USA).
Marge Collins Palm Coast, FL (USA)	Right	2000	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: After first series of injections, I had drooping eye and mouth. My eye would open when trying to sleep and mouth would drool. After 2 months it began to wear off. I have not used it again.
Myra Comrie Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada)	Right	2008	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: made no difference
William Conklin Inactive Memb. Beaufort, TX (USA)	Right	1996	Yes	No	Yes	2	12/01/03	Dr. Sunil Patel Charleston, SC (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox treatments twice in 1996 - spasms stopped, but eye was droopy and would not close completely. Post MVD Conditions - MVD #1 also with Dr. Patel on 04/14/03. Spasms decreased/stopped for about 10 days then returned completely if not worse than before. Significant vertigo for approx. 4 weeks; was given meclazine (sp?) which helped immensely. Vertigo free after 6 weeks. A major staph infection occured at the incision site which took 2 rounds of keflex and 2 rounds of cipro to clear up. Dr. Patel believes that the teflon patch must have slipped or pushed out of place due to the swelling associated with the staph infection. He is confident the 2nd MVD will be successful and will be pro-active and start super antibiotics immediately considering the infection from the 1st MVD.
Karol Conn Highland, IL (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Worked for a couple of treatments then it was just hit and miss if they worked, then not at all. It has been almost a year since my last injection, I am now just beginning to be able to smile with the left side of my mouth.
Gerry Connolly Inactive Memb. Washington, DC (USA)	Right	1990	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/19/01	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I started on Botox in 1992. I received injections 3-4 times a year over the next 10 years. The injections were above and below the eye, as well in the eyelid itself. When I started the injections, my doctor, Preston Calvert told me about the work that Dr Jannetta was doing in Pittsburgh. He even gave me reprints of articles written by Dr J. But being a devout coward, I opted for Botox instead of Dr J. If only I had opted for Pittsburgh 10 years ago, I would not have had such a tough time over this decade. The Botox left me with a frozen face for a week or so then loosened up and I got relief for 2 months, then I started to slide back until the rightside of my face was in spasm again. Post MVD Conditions - None
Jamie Coplin Hastings, MI (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: The Botox did little for me. I only did one treatment and decided it was not for me. It left extreme sensitivity to light for several weeks and burning in the eye. It did not help much with the HFS at all and I did not like they way I looked with the Botox. MVD Comments: Scheduled for MVD Consultation on 03/30/06 with Dr. Byron G. Thompson Jr, University of Michigan Hosp., Ann Arbor, MI (USA)
Laurie Corley Cantonment, FL (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: I'm on my first round of Botox(5 days ago) the neurologist said it could take up to two weeks to work as of now my face is still twitching.
Wanda Covey White Cloud, MI (USA)	Right	2004	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox eases the spasm, but only lasts 5-6 months. In my case helps a lot because it's driving me crazy. 1st time around whole side could not smile. 2nd around eye. eye droped for about 2wks then on one noticed.going for 3rd in January 2007.
Beverly Cox San Antonio, TX (USA)	Left	1990	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/19/97	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA	Yes
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". Post MVD Conditions - None
Jill Crawford Louisville, KY (USA)	Left	2004	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	11/03/05	Dr. Jonathan Hodes Louiville, KY (USA)	No
	Botox & MVD Comments: Update as of 11/3/08 - Spasms returned about 1 1/2 years after surgery. Not as bad as prior to the surgery but irritating enough to lead me to try Botox. I am still having spasms and am still taking botox injections about every 8-10 weeks.
Ann Cregan Wyboston, Bedford (United Kingdom)	Left	2004	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Started April 2005. Slight reduction in intensity of spasms thus reducing pain but not yet on full dosage. For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences".
Connie Cutler Palatine, IL (USA)	Right	1995	Yes	No	Yes	2	03/17/05	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I hated it, the side effects were worse than the twitches. My eye closed for about a month and my mouth got droopy. I looked like I had suffered a stroke. MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary". (MVD #1 on 02/13/04 with Dr. George Bovis - Loss of upper tones of hearing on affected side).
Rodger Cutler Beaverton, CO (USA)	Right	2000	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: My right eye does not close as much during a spasm after the Botox treatment. The only side effect is mild muscular weakness.
Charlene Dane Inactive Memb. Toledo, OH (USA)	Right	1987	Yes	No	Yes	2	12/15/94	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Some help, wore off in 6 wks. and kept my right eye from closing and made my face look funny. MVD Comments - Severe hearing loss on right side after 1st MVD in July 1994 with Dr. Lovely. After the 2nd MVD was spasm free for 9 years until the spasms returned beginning August 2003.
Julie Dang Inactive Memb. Toronto, Ontario (Canada)	Left	1994	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/04/03	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox injections from 2000 to Dec.2002. I had 4 injections in total. It helped at the begining but the last 2 injections I had to increase the dosage. Found the spasms had increased so I decided to have MVD but I had to wait for 9 months. MVD Comments - There was a vertebra artery compression on my facial nerve entry zone region. RESULT - Total success, woke up NO SPASMS. Headache gradually gone about 5 weeks. Full ear (mild) about 7 weeks. Thanks Dr.Kaufmann, his team and "Circle of Friends".
Keith Davie Inactive Memb. England (United Kingdom)	Right	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/11/04	Mr. Nigel D. Mendoza London, England (United Kingdom)	No
	Botox Comments: Tried Botox injections for one year. No real improvement after quarterly injections. No real side effects.
Carol Davis Grayling, MI (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	10/05/06	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: It doesn't last long, maybe 6 weeks before the spasms become really annoying again. I didn't care for the way it affected my eye (open wide, not blinking like my right eye). Also, it affected my smile. I can't believe people have these shots for cosmetic purposes! I find them painful!! MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary.
Phyllis Davis Crossville, TN (USA)	Left	1994	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/22/04	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Effective but paralized the left side of the face. MVD Comments: Spasm Free for 17 months.
Sue Davis Channahon, IL (USA)	Right	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/30/07	Dr. Gail Rosseau Chicago, IL (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: The first few treatments gave some relief; the past year, treatments have been ineffective. Final botox treatment was on 01/24/07. MVD Comments: Update as of 04/18/08 - I am not spasm free, but saw a nice improvement in the first 4 months after my surgery. Since 4 months post-op, my spasms have returned to their pre-surgery level. I plan to wait until the 2nd anniversary of my surgery before deciding if I will pursue a 2nd MVD. For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary.
John Dayton E. Northport, NY (USA)	Left	2007	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Botox injections helped reduce spasms a lot for three months but that was eight months ago and my mouth still isn't back to smiling on the left side.
Roxanne Davis Oakland, NJ (USA)	Left	1995	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Have been receiving Botox injections since 1997,about 7 years.Over this period of time,it has slowed down the rate of the spasms. Pulling to the side of the mouth and cheek area happens with a much tighter hold. The spasms now are felt more inside. Partial relief has been varied, sometimes, 2,3,4, or 6 mos. depending upon each treatment. Have had temporary side effects such as some paralysis of mouth muscle,and double vision. Since the face muscle becomes tighter and the spasms occur more internally; self-image concerns in public are always on your mind.
Sue Davis Channahon, IL (USA)	Right	2000	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: The first few treatments gave some relief; the past year, treatments have been ineffective; I plan to discontinue Botox. MVD Comments: Scheduled for MVD on 04/30/07 with Dr. Gail Rosseau, Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery & Neuroresearch, Chicago, IL (USA).
Missy Dean Sidney, OH (USA)	Right	2003	Yes	No	Yes	1	-3/25/09	Dr. Raymond Sekula, Jr. Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: was receiving Botox injections every 3 months with decreasing effectiveness, last injection was May 2008. Worked for 2 years. MVD Comments: Update as of 03/26/09 - I woke up spasm free with no hearing loss! Dr. Sekula found a very large artery on the nerve and one smaller vein and was able to take care of both. I was discharged from Allegheny General today. My husband and I are spending the night in a hotel in Pittsburgh and will be heading for home tomorrow (4 1/2 hour drive). I think he is allowing me to head for home because my mom is a nurse and my family Dr. has one other patient who also had this surgery in Pittsburgh. My neck is very stiff and my head does hurt but the Percocets are helping by putting me to sleep!! I'm ready for a nice, peaceful recovery. Being spasm free is almost unexplainable - it is definitely the answer to my prayers and I will always be eternally grateful to Dr. Sekula for his skilled hands!
Ed Demo Inactive Memb. Vernon, NY (USA)	Right	1985	Yes	No	Yes	1	01/01/02	Dr. Chandranath Sen New York, NY	Yes
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". Post MVD Conditions: Had a bout with meningitis but I am back on my feet
Stacy Caldwell (Denlinger) Landisville, PA (USA)	Right	1997	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/17/99	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA	Yes
	Botox Comments: Miserable experience, not the injections so much as the two weeks after, almost complete paralysis of my eyelids, tearing, bruising. Three months of painful dryness and droopy face. This was a very small dosage. Post MVD Conditions - None
Maureen DeStefano Hampton Bays, NY (USA)	Right	1997	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences".
Sue Deutser Houston, TX (USA)	Left	1991	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/14/05	Dr. Richard Harper Houst,TX (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Dry eye, drooping lower lid, trouble with eye not closing. Botox, mimimal help- trouble with eye staying open for over a month because of too much Botox. MVD Comments:
Dian Dimmery Cardiff (United Kingdom)	Left	1997	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Treatment carried out approx. every 2 months. Good results around eye, but treatment of cheek, mouth and neck not very effective.
Kristine Dishman Folsom, CA (USA)	Right	2003	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox every 3 months for the last year has worked well but sometimes I over-respond and get weakness. My injectionist and I have discovered that the first time a new muscle area is injected I seem to get profound paralysis so now we do half the usual dose in any new area. The first time we treated my eyelid I couldn't blink for almost a month! But we've got that dialed in perfectly now. It is definitely an art and there is no "recipe" or one sizze fits all.
Suzanne Disse Knoxville, TN (USA)	Left	1986	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Get Botax injections every three months. At first great, but now it only last about two months and makes my face stiff.
Simon Dixon Santa Barbara, CA (USA)	Left	2004	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/26/07	Dr. John Alksne La Jolla, CA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I'm done with Botox. (Had what will be final shots a month ago) Aside from the pain of the procedure I hate the way it looks. Friends joke "wow Botox lucky you". And I say "yeah, I look like I'm great for my age aside from the stroke I appear to have had" Biting my lip and drooling are really helping my Boris Karloff routine though, so that's a bonus... MVD Comments: Update as of 01/10/08 – Spasms completely disappeared after a few weeks. These days I sometimes get a tingling around my eye when I am stressed, but I used to get that before HFS and many others get it too. I would not think of it at all if it were not for my history.
Randall Dobbs Kennesaw, GA (USA)	Right	1997	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: I have had two heavy botox sessions with little or no benefit.
Bonnie Dodd Inactive Memb. Cranberry, PA (USA)	Right	1999	Yes	No	Yes	2	10/16/02	Drs. Kassam & Horowitz Pittsburgh, PA	No
	Botox Comments: Eye would not completely close. Cheek and lip movements increased. MVD Comments - MVD #2 with Drs. Kassam & Horowitz, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA. (MVD #1 also with Drs. Kassam & Horowitz on 05/22/02).
Vickie Dodds Columbus, OH (USA)	Right	2001	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences".
Bill Donahue Herington, KS (USA)	Right	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/24/09	Dr. John Dickerson Wichita, KS (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Botox Comments: It works for several weeks then wears off, short term relief. MVD Comments: Update as of 04/29/09 - Lots of pain, nausea, vertigo, but the spasms around the eye were not as strong or persistant. Also found out I should not take morphine as it caused more nausea. Didn't eat well and 5 days later still not eating as usual. I am still having spasms ... not as severe and not as regular but I woke up this morning with spasms for several hours. My right ear is ringing louder but Dr. Dickerson says that is a good thing as that shows the eighth nerve is coming back. He told me that he had never seen a nerve as damaged as mine as the vessel had split the nerve and had snaked it's way along the length of the nerve. It is going to take longer than anticipated for recovery. Still dealing with the vertigo and some nausea and the appetite issue. Seems this is not quite a miracle cure, but I believe with time and patience I will get better and this ordeal will be worth it. Still praying and still hoping.
Richard Donnelly Arlington, VA (USA)	Right	1992	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/04/01	Drs. Kassam & Horowitz Pittsburgh, PA	Yes
	Botox Comments: Was effective in the beginning when just the eye twitched. It was not helpful when the face became involved. I believe Botox may be useful for controlling blephorspasms but not particulary for HFS. MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Alice Donohue Lansing, MI (USA)	Left	1988	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Had two shots - the first one on 09/26/03 seemed to help. I hated the second one on 12/13/03 (terrible). Click here to see my "Personal HFS History".
Veta Dowdy Tallahassee, FL (USA)	Left	1994	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botex works wonderful ...when I can get my insurance to cover it.
Jeff Downing St. Louis, MO (USA)	Right	2000	Yes	Yes	No
Ann Doyle Owensboro, KY (USA)	Right	1996	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	10/06/00	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA	No
	Botox Comments: Takes Botox® for Blephrospasm, not MVD related. Very effective so far. I've only had it twice. Upper lip seems slightly numb. MVD Comments - The continuing spasms are the result of Blepharospasm, not HFS.
Bonnie Driskill Inactive Memb. Kingwood , TX (USA)	Left	2003	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/09/07	Dr. Richard Harper Houston,TX (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Not satisfactory. The injections either had little effect or had too much effect in controlling the spasms. Too much Botox left eye wide open and side of face flat. It did, however, help with the neck spasms. MVD Comments: As of 07/13/08 - At this time I do not have any spasms and feel wonderful. The spasms were really bad right after the surgery and for 6 months after. Then they were completely gone for 2 months and then returned only when I talked or smiled (social oppression). For the last 3 weeks, I have not had any spasms and everything seems completely "normal". I love it!
Hélène Ducharme Ottawa, Ontario (Canada)	Left	1986	Yes	No	Yes	3	03/27/02	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: (2nd MVD 03/14/01 also with Dr. Kassam; 1st MVD 09/30/99, Dr. Gentili, Toronto (Canada)).
Steve Duffy Lumberton, NC (USA)	Right	1992	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences".
John Dunn Downingtown, PA (USA)	Left	2004	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Just had first Botox A shots end of September 2005, still have some effects - to early to know - no side effects yet.
Karen Dunn Cincinnati, OH (USA)	Left	1989	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/17/04	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I have had Botox injections for the past 5 years with much success. I have a wonderful neurologist, Dr. Zadikoff, who placed the shots just right. However, he noticed that I was beginning to have facial weakness and urged me to have the MVD that I have been putting off. MVD Comments:
Cecilia Durand Brussels (Belgium)	Left	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/16/07	Prof. Jacques Magnan Marsielle (France)	No
	Botox Comments: I had botox for 3 years. I had the injections every 3 months and had my last ones 3 months before MVD. I could not live without them but hated how my HFS eye would dry and the fact that it paralysed my HSF side and I could not smile properly. MVD Comments: Update as of 02/10/08 - Update as of 02/10/08 - Not spasm free yet. However the spasms are not as bad as before MVD, but they still bother me quite a lot.
Jessica Dyer Lima (Peru)	Left	2004	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/14/07	Dr. Alberto Trelles Lima (Peru)	Yes>
	Botox Comments: I really use it for sthetic, but also help me to diminish in some way the spasm in the upper side. None since December 2006. MVD Commenrs: Update as of 09/22/07 - One week post-op I can say it was successful. I stayed in the Clinic about 5 days, and I'm now back at home, feeling good. The only issue is that I have hearing loss in my left side that makes me disoriented. I have very little mild spasms, that are very infrequent, and the doctor told me that it would disappear at any moment. Today I still have headaches, mainly in the morning, but I don't have migraines, metal taste or facial paralysis. I can say I'm now “SPASM FREE”.
Sharon Dyrland Dunkirk, MD (USA)	Left	2006	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Very effective for around 2 months - eye gets dry, irritated for a week after injection. MVD Comments: Scheduled for MVD on 07/01/09 with Dr. Amin Kassam, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA (USA).
Wayne Earle Red Deer, Alberta (Canada)	Left	1990	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: 50-75% effective, double vision for a month, dryness of the eye, eye has closed on occasion.
Carol Eaton Washington, MI (USA)	Left	1985	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/12/06	Dr. Daniel Pieper Southfield, MI (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox quieted the twitches but of course I have facial drooping and lop sided smile. Sometimes I just had the botox around my eye so that I didn't have too much droop and could still smile a bit. I've had botox since 1993. MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Jonathan Edwards Hendersonville, NC (USA)	Right	2006	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	06/27/08	Dr. Anthony Asher Charlotte, NC (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Don't like Botox. The first treatment worked okay but made the right side of my lip droop and I couldn't smile. The second treatment has closed right eye. MVD Comments: Update as of 07/05/08 – I would like to say the spasms are better. I'm not really sure they are. They seem more infrequent. I didn't have a single one yesterday but they were back today. I'm keeping a positive attitude on that front. The doctor basically told me when I was discharged that the vessel splits in two and really is tangled with the auditory nerve. He stopped messing with it when the auditory nerve showed stress. He is pretty confident he could stop the twitching but it would pretty much involve losing hearing. We are discussing this during the appointment. So it's possible I'll be having another MVD in 4-8 weeks. That would be done to avoid going through scar tissue. All in all my spirits are good and I'm get along much better than I expected.
Ann Ehlen Glenmora, LA (USA)	Left	1995	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/13/02	Dr. Anil Nanda Shreveport, LA	Yes
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Margy Ehrenfried Norfolk, NE (USA)	Right	2001	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/10/05	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments:
Anne El Shazli Washington, DC (USA)	Left	1993	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences".
Steve Eiseler Traverse City, MI (USA)	Left	2007	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/17/08	Dr. Kenneth F. Casey
	Botox Comments: Work in progress. Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". MVD Comments: Update as of 10/08/08 - I had five offending vessels and Dr. Casey was able to reduce the lateral spread by 50% during the procedure. I was released to return home the next day. Unfortunately I was one of the 5-8% to develop aseptic meningitis a week after surgery. My understanding is the condition was caused by an allergic reaction to the teflon felt material used to pad the nerve. After being on a heavy dose steroid for a few days I developed irregular heart beats and the dose had to be reduced. I was able to return to work a few hours today and plan to return full time next week. I lost some hearing on my MVD side but hopefully it is temporary and in fact it has improved over the last 3 weeks. As far as the spasms are concerned, the only thing that I have noticed is a slight pull at the corner of my mouth occasionally. Dr. Casey wants to give both the hearing and the spasms a full 12 week recovery period before we make any judgements on either. Click here to see my "MVD Diary
Arthur Elvidge Perth (Australia)	Left	2001	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: 90% effective in reducing spasms. Soreness remains. Can't fully close left eye.
Matt Emanuelsen Rockwood, MI (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Works o.k. sometimes. Relieves eye closing. Twitching persists.
Donna Eng Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)	Left	1994	Yes	No	Yes	2	06/12/01	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg, Canada	Yes
	Botox Comments: Started using April 1997 for 2 1/2 years. Effective in the beginning in subduing the twitches. Progressively needed larger doses and more injection sites. With the larger doses, I experienced difficulties in controlling my face (ie. facial weakness, droopy eye and lips). MVD Comments - Spasm Free following 2nd MVD (1st MVD 06/22/00 also with Dr Kaufmann).
Judy Ensor Honaker, VA (USA)	Left	2004	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Worked for a while but left my face drooping. Looked like I had a stroke. I now have to wait 9 months from my last botox injection before I can have my MVD.
Tracy Ervin Knoxville, TN (USA)	Right	2000	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: I have been having Botox shots since January 2005. Worked for a while, but now my body is rejecting. MVD Comments: Update as of 07/17/07 - Cancelled previously scheduled MVD for 08/08/07 with Dr. Peter J. Jannetta, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA (USA)
Sharon Erwin Las Cruces, NM (USA)	Right	1996	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/09/02	Dr. David Masel El Paso, TX	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Ronald Evans Bay City, MI (USA)	Left	1994	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/22/02	Dr. Byron G. Thompson Ann Arbor, MI.	Yes
	Botox Comments: Very effective for the first few years-- somewhat less right now.
Jim Evridge Pennsville, NJ (USA)	Right	1994	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: A few years ago I tried Botox injections. The spasms ceased, but, people wanted to know when I had a stroke. Because of the injections my face appeared to be paralyzed. I vowed then that I would never have the injections again. However, the spasms are now occuring more frequently and I am becoming more and more reclusuve because of them. Click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences".
Jamie Ewing Seattle, WA (USA)	Left	1991	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/16/98	Dr. Elizabeth Bullitt Chapel Hill, NC (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Somewhat successful now that they have gotten the strength right. MVD Comments: Scheduled for MVD #2 on 07/09/09 with Dr. Peter J. Jannetta, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA (USA) (MVD #1 on 09/16/98 with Dr. Elizabeth Bullitt was not successful).
William Farly Tampa, FL (USA)	Left	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/16/04	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Working fairly well, and have little or no spasams 80% of the time. MVD Comments: Update as of 09/03/07 - It took almost 3 years for my face to calm down to no spasms, I am now "SPASM FREE. Thank Dr. Jannetta and Dr. Casey very much, you are a gift to us. (As of 09/05/06, still trying to recover. I feel dizzy and tired most of the time and still have some spasms. Had a CFS leak complication during my MVD and I believe this may have added to problems and made the healing process much more difficult. I also am suffering vertigo, loss of hearing and cognitive deficits and confusion. I have been to several rehabilitation centers for this and they taught me to cope with these complications to some degree. I’m still seeing neurologists and continue in my therapy).
C Farrell Surrey, British Columbia (Canada)	Left		Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: No side effects but no change in condition (had 4 treatments).
Karen Faughn Inactive Memb. Gilbertsville, KY (USA)	Left	1996	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/03/07	Dr. Peter Konrad Nashville, TN (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Lasts about 3 months - works around eye area... and we know what happens if we get injections on the lower part of the face - we just drool & droop. MVD Comments:
Diana Fell Sayre, PA (USA)	Left	1980	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/22/05	Dr. Khalid A. Sethi Johnson City, NY (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Didn't like it. Paralized the whole side of my face. No control over drooling. MVD Comments: It took 3 months after my MVD for it to happen, but I am "SPASM FREE"! YIPPPPEEEE! For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Virginia Felts Aberdeen, WA (USA)	Right	2001	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Does not help much
Shirley Ann Fisk Midlothian, VA (USA)	Left	1988	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/25/99	Drs. Jannetta & Kassam Pittsburgh, PA	Yes
	Botox Comments: First time I had Botox injections my upper eyelid drooped for about six weeks. I was so distressed, I didn't try Botox again for another two years. Then I started getting Botox injections every 3-6 months for about 5 years. My face drooped to the point where some thought I had had a stroke. As the Botox became less and less effective, I started to think about MVD. Post MVD Conditions - None
Jennifer Fitter Mission Viejo, CA (USA)	Right	1996	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/15/06	Dr. Hrayr K. Shahinian Los Angeles, CA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Helped movement but still felt the sensation of spasms. I stopped Botox 5 months ago because I am looking into MVD. MVD Comments: Update as of 05/18/08 - 1 1/2 years post-op I am dong so well. I still continue to have ringing on the MVD side but as the audiologist said I would get used to it. In quiet moments such as night time sleep, I need to have some sort of white noise such as a fan or low volume TV. I have adjusted to the hearing loss. Now married almost eighteen years I am so blessed to be where I am. Some people have contacted me from this site and I pray I have been of some help. I know when I was contemplating surgery I contacted some on the list and every one was eager and willing to support and help me. God led me to this site and has used this site to help me and for that, I am so thankful. So far still totally "SPASM FREE".
Cathleen Fitzbach Quebec (Canada)	Left	1999	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: No side effects. I'm waiting for results of electromyogram exam I'll have in febuary 2002 for another Botox treatment in larynx and jaws. Comments: Tired Out of pain...!!! Lost more than 15% pound; I'm 84 pounds now. Very weak. Very anxious to have Botox at the right places and expect a real and durable amelioration for stopping morphine. Want to have a more useful life; I'm too young to stay in bed all the time!!!
Sean Flaherty Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	Yes	No
Bill Fleming Peachland, British Columbia (Canada)	Left	1985	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/09/02	Dr. Chris Honey Vancouver, BC (Canada)	Yes
	Botox Comments: "frozen face", biting inside of mouth and lip, people thought I had a stroke at times. However it did help the twitch. I just couldn't smile at all. I had botox treatments for about 10 years, every 4 months or so. Last one Nov. 28 2001. Without botox, at least I can smile when the face is not acting up. MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Jennie Flood Clay, NY (USA)	Left	2002	Yes	No	Yes	2	11/11/06	Dr. Charles Hodge Syracuse, NY (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: First shot, worked about three months, but did not totally stop spasms. Second shot, dose increased, but did not work at all. MVD Comments: Update as of 11/24/06: Vertigo, ringing in ears, dizziness, walk is still effected, still only 6 weeks out of surgery, deaf in left ear, dry eyes, head ache, eyesight is blurry at times and cannot focus. First surgery did not work and was a total nightmare! Second surgery a success but I'm still recouperating. No spasms .
Pamela Floyd Inactive Memb. Balgowlah, (Australia)	Left	1989	Yes	No	Yes	1	10/23/01	Prof. Michael Besser Sydney, Australia	Yes
	Botox Comments: Very effective-injections every 3 months. Post MVD Conditions - Update as of 03/21/05 - Absolutely thrilled at this stage to report that I am 95% spasm free after having the op in Oct 01. Went off botox in June 2004. Spasm free after 3 years! Each year gets better!
Kay Ford Wollongong (Australia)	Left	2002	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: First time it looked like I had a stroke, took a while for the effect to wear off, I insist for the smallest dose now, but it still effects my smile and I hate that.
Ted Fontenot Many, LA (USA)	Left	1997	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Visited neurologist who had no clue, had MRI and even did spinal tap. Finally was recommend to see opthamologist who diagnosed my problem immediately and started me on Botox injections. Have Botox injections every three months which keep my left eye from closing, but I’m still experience twitching, especially when trying to sleep. Closing my eyes seems to accelerate twitching.
Dawn Francis Inactive Memb. Kaukauna, WI (USA)	Left	2004	Yes	No	Yes	1	10/06/05	Dr. Philip Yazbak Neenah, WI (USA) Sydney, Australia	No
	Botox Comments: Helped for a short time. it seems that the long term side effects for most people have out weighed the benefits. MVD Comments: Update as of 01/07/06 - I think I am still in the process of healing, I have some hearing (or tone) loss and the twitch remains.
Valerie Frank Fremont, CA (USA)	Right		Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: I have had one session of five injections around the eye which has minimized the spasms on the eye and cheek area.
Mary Jane Fraser Bellingham, WA (USA)	Left	1999	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	01/22/03	Drs. Kassam & Horowitz Pittsburgh, PA	Yes
	Botox Comments: I have tried botox with increasing ineffectiveness. I have never had a treatment that got me anywhere near normal.
Darlene Frederick Clinton, MI (USA)	Right	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/08/03	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, Pa (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Judy Frederickson St. Louis, MO (USA)	Left	1997	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences".
Val Freeman Manly West Qld (Australia)	Right	2000	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Only one treatment. Has stopped eye twitching, but I can still feel the spasms. Blurred vision at times
Mike Frey Lititz, PA (USA)	Left	1994	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/20/99	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I didn't like the effect of the Botox, and as time went on, the spasms got worse, Botox was ineffective at supressing them. MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary . 100% hearing loss in left ear, associated tinnitus and balance issues. My active life remains unchanged. Since MVD, I began riding motorcycles after 18 years of non-riding. Recently got private pilot's license after 30 years of waiting.
Bridget Frohreich Mt. Gilead NC (USA)	Left	1976	Yes	Yes	Yes	2	03/04/86	Dr. Horace Norrell Sarasota, FL(USA)	No (Was for 11 years)
	Botox Comments: For 6 1/2 years had the same neurologist who did a wonderful job of administering it and no problems. She moved out-of-state and the new one did my last Botox injections and got some in the muscles that control the movement of the eye. Also instead of the eye drooping just a tad the lid and area below the brow is now hanging 2/3s down over the eye. I am having double vision with both eyes opened. Went to eye doctor and he explained that the muscles in the injected side are moving slower than my right side thus the double vision. Only cure is to wear eye patch and wait until the Botox wears off. MVD Comments: Was Spasm Free after MVD #2 for 11 years. MVD #1 in 04/78 with Dr. Ira Hardy, Greenville, NC (USA). I would encourage anyone to try MVD. The surgery has come a long way since I had it way back then.
Maura Fulton Inactive Memb. Bangkok,(Thailand)	Right	1992	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/23/03	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I began Botox treatments once in the United States. Result was that I could not close my right eye very easily. Spasms were reduced very slightly. Moved to the former USSR and could not continue treatments. MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary.
Pam Fruth Villa Park, CA (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: The botox has been very effective. It lasts 3 to 4 months.
Janie Frye Villa Hills, KY (USA)	Both	1995	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/08/01	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: MVD Comments: Further to the MVD, a chiari surgery was performed by Dr. Kassam in April 2004 which was successful; some resulting hearing loss.
Elaine Roedell Boca Raton, FL (USA)	Right	2004	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/18/08	Dr. Chandranath Sen New York, NY (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox Injections, which did paralyze the right side of my face, but when I smiled, I looked as if I were a stroke victim. MVD Comments: Update as of 10/29/08 - No complications. I have been spasm free since I came out of surgery.
Sally Gallagher Mays Landing, NJ (USA)	Right	2006	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/15/07	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: On my 3rd injection, injected via machine which indicates when nerve is hit, seems to be more precise, unfortunately not lasting long, Dr. injects in left side as well to even out, but still leaves me with a "crooked" smile. MVD Comments: Update as of 04/26/08 - Scheduled for MVD #2 Consultation on 05/15/08 with Dr. Eric Zager, University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA (USA). . I experienced a few days of very mild spasms immediately after surgery, then they started up again. Some days they are pretty bad, other days they are barely noticeable. Dr. Kassam said this is normal and can take months to see results. Dr. Kassam was concerned with my outcome due to having Botox at 6 month prior to surgery, but he did find a very large artery looped around the nerve. I have had bad headaches and have returned to Pittsburgh for a follow up with my surgeon on 09/11/07.. Another cruel twist of fate is that I have developed twitches on the opposite side, starting around my cheek/nose a couple months ago, it seems to be getting more intense. I am looking for a new neurologist to find out what is going on with this. (MVD #1 with Dr. Amin Kassam on 08/15/07)
Judy Galland Cottonport, LA (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	01/26/09	Dr. Anil Nanda Shreveport, LA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox - is not being as effective - only lasts for about 1 1/2 months now. I had my last botox on November 18, 2008. MVD Comments: Update as of 02/14/09 – I am spasm free - both eyes are opening and closing the same with no pulling or twitching of face, I have lost hearing, not a full loss, but I believe it will be a lot. I am walking more and still have a big problem with balance. I’m taking it one day at a time. I just feel so peaceful – it’s a blessing.
Julie Gallucci Convent Station, NJ (USA)	Left	2006	Yes	No	Yes	1	01/28/09	Dr. Raymond Sekula, Jr. Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox was effective. However, my eyelid would droop horribly. MVD Comments:
Sondra Garcia Inactive Memb. Erwin, TN (USA)	Right	1988	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/09/00	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA	Yes
	Botox Comments: Had Botox injections twice. First time the whole right side of my face was bruised for several weeks. The spasms decreased but returned in about 2 months. Had second Botox treatment. This time no bruising but it only lasted about 3 weeks. Decided it was not worth the time and money. Also had a droopy mouth. MVD Conditions - Sometimes have an achy feeling in my head at the incision area, but, I feel like a real success story. If I should ever be afflicted again, I would not hesitate to have the surgery. (12/13/03)
Ellen Garinger Inactive Memb. El Segundo, CA (USA)	Right	1997	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/01/00	Dr. Takanori Fukushima Raleigh, NC	Yes
Chuck Garot Naples, FL (USA)	Right	1993	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Started Botox A about March 2000. The effects were greatly varied due to me trying different providers. Most were unfamilar with HFS and the treatment of same. Also Botox was just coming on the scene, and then was mainly cosmetic. I jumped around until I found an administrator who I was happy with. I think Botox is at best hit and miss. I am still on Botox but feel the effectiveness lessening and the resistance growing. I may look into Botox B to see if it could be a replacement for the A Toxin.
Sheila Garske Wausau, WI (USA)	Right	1992	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/27/05	Dr. Michael Link Rochester, MN (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox injections started in 1993 - hasn't been too helpful the last few years. Haven't had an injection since Feb 2005....my right eye stays closed for too long of a period now so I need to find a Doctor for injections......mine moved away.
Fiona Gavriel Wellington (NEW ZEALAND)	Left	2001	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox - seems effective but only had it twice. Have just had a cataract operation which hasn't gone well - not sure if there is a relationship.
Marty Geeves Hobart (Australia)	Left	2005	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/20/08	Mr. Andrew Hunn Hobart Tasmania (Australia)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Eyelid lag lasting 6 to 8 weeks both times I have used Botox it's embarassing. MVD Comments: Update as of 08/27/08 – Remain dizzy 13 weeks post-op although slowly improving. My spasms subsided for 10 weeks but now they are back bigger and bolder than before surgery. Damn, can I say that? Spasms and still dizzy from op.... things can only get better.
Jason Geisinger Inactive Memb. Cockeysville, MD (USA)	Right	2002	No		Yes	1	12/04/02	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments:
Julie Genovese Dover, NJ (USA)	Left	1986	Yes	No	Yes	1	01/29/03	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox helped at first and was a partial relief. I used it for 3 years every 2 months. It did not take away the HFS but it lessened the intensity. MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Edward Gereis Cairo (Egyp)	Right	1999	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Very short period of relief (3 months). Drooping eye lid & weakness of cheek muscle. MVD Comments: Was scheduled for MVD on 10/14/08 with Prof Hugh Coakham, Glen Bupa Hospital, Bristol, England (United Kingdom), but surgery was cancelled.
Sandra Gerstner Hillsborough, NC (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/28/08	Dr. Raymond Sekula, Jr. Pittsburgh, PA (USA).	Yes
	Botox Comments: Have discontinued Botox. Left facial muscles weakening and only had side effects (drooping face, crooked smile, etc.) Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". MVD Comments: Update as of 09/13/08 - After I got home on 9/2/08, I was pretty well tuckered out. Starting early Saturday morning I was having chills, fever, nausea, pressure and pain around my forehead and base of my skull. About 1:30 PM I called Dr. Sekula, who answered before I even got back to my chair. He called in a steroid and told me to go to the ER if I didn't feel better in 5-6 hours. Within 4 hours my temp was up to 102 and I went to the ER. They did a CT scan, chest x-ray and a spinal puncture. I had pain and soreness down my spine and in my hips by the time we got to the spinal puncture. Although that was the best puncture I have ever had. Not only was it successful, but it relieved the pain and pressure in my head and spine. I had contracted bacterial meningitis post op. I was admitted to Isolation and kept from 9/2 through 9/11 at Duke University. I got home late Thursday night and have to do home IV antibiotics (central line) twice a day. I'm pretty well exhausted (husband also), but I am so thankful I have no spasms, my eye is fully open and I don't look like a stroke victim. I think we caught the meningitis before anything else neurological could be done. Click here to see my "MVD Diary
Nancy Gevels Inactive Memb. Lippelo (Belgium)	Right	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/08/04	Dr. Luc De Waele Ghent, (Belgium)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I had my first Botox in January 2003. I just had the 5th injection. One time I had a droopy eye. Click here to see my "Personal HFS History".
Ruth Ghuman Surrey, British Columbia (Canada)	Left	2005	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Not very successful, still have spasms, face looks lopsided and eye is extremely sensitive to light and tears in cold weather, which also causes spasms.
Marge Gibson Millsboro, DE (USA)	Left	1980	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/20/96	Drs. Jannetta & Lovely Pittsburgh, PA	Yes
	Botox Comments: was in the original experimental study in the early eighties before approval from the FDA, They worked originaly but as time wore on they became less effective. Had seven shots about every three months in the beginning, later much more frequently.I received them for about twelve years. MVD Comments - May 2003, seven years post-op and spasm free, thank God, and special thanks to Drs. Jannetta and Lovely. A brief recap: I was on Botox for about eleven years, they became less effective over the years. My spasms were the greater part of my life and I had very little respite from them. I came through the operation with no hearing loss. I did have Bells Palsy for about four weeks and a vocal weakness which was of short duration. To date I have no facial weakness or droopiness after being on Botox for so long.
Feben Gizaw Glen Allen, VA (USA)	Left	2003	Yes	No	Yes	2	08/15/08	Dr. Amin Kassam UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Didn't help much. MVD Comments: (MVD #1 on 08/13/08, also with Dr. Kassam, was stopped to prevent hearing nerve damage. Surgery was successfully completed on 08/15/08). I strongly recommend Dr. Amin Kassam and UPMC.
Mary Ann Glasco Inverness, FL (USA)	Right	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	10/12/06	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: 1st time was great - 2nd not as good - 3rd no relief at all. MVD Comments: Update as of 06/28/08 – I have finally become “SPASM FREE”. It has been over 20 months since the surgery, but I have been spasm free for a couple weeks. I would get a spasm maybe every couple of days, but would only last for about 5 seconds. But for the last couple weeks, NONE. Everything I went through was worth the feeling I have now. Everyone is so happy for me & can't believe the difference in my face. People actually thought I had a stroke because of the way I looked. No more.! I just hope & pray that this will continue. If not, I would not hesitate to have it done again. It is worth it to me.
Rosie Goddard Winchester (United Kingdom)	Right	2005	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Not at all effective. Botox gave me double vision which resulted in my loosing my job because of days off sick.
Omeshia Golatt Miami, FL (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: My first injections worked great once it kicked in, but didn't last the estimated 3 months. The last time I tried it in, October 2006, it didn't work. I was thinking of maybe trying a different doctor.
Lynne Gong Sacramento, CA (USA)	Right	1991	Yes	Yes	Yes	2	06/09/09	Dr. Allen Efron Redwood City, CA (USA)
	Botox Comments: Botox works for me, but also causes weakness in my face. MVD Comments: (MVD #1 in 1995 with Dr. Zuo).
Martha Gongle St. Clair Shores, MI (USA)	Right		Yes	No	Yes	2	10/09/08	Dr. Kenneth F. Casey Detroit, MI (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Effective at first, increased dosage caused eye irritation, sinuitus, bronchitis and pain in ear. Little effect, spasms are worse now. MVD Comments: Update as of 11/04/08 - I awoke with no spasms, no hearing loss and have suffered only the usual headaches and dizziness. I had a visual distortion with seeing things sideways right after surgery and it went away in a couple of days. Many thanks to all for giving me the courage to try again. It's wonderful to finally have control over my face. (MVD #1 on 02/08/06 with Dr. Daniel P. Elskens)
Fred Goodhue Inactive Memb. Spokane, WA (USA)	Left	1982	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/12/03	Dr. Robert Rostomily Seattle, WA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Inexact science, two different Drs., sometimes good result, sometimes drooping face & eye lid. Botox decreasing in effect with resulting long-term drooping of cheek. MVD Comments: Update: 02/21/04 - It took six months for my spasm to totally subside and I have been spasm free for six months.
Rosalyn Grace Hoover, AL (USA)	Right	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/25/07	Dr. Raymond Sekula, Jr. Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Initially, the Botox seemed to work every other time. On occasion, it stopped the twitching altogether, but caused a droop in my face. After finding a doctor who specialized in movement disorders, she perfected the treatment and the Botox was very effective. MVD Comments:
Karen Graham Calgary, Alberta (Canada)	Right	1994	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Have had 3 injections of Botox, and experience significant relief - at least my eye doesn't close when I try to smile. Doubled the dose last time, which worked better. Does not provide a total relief, but certainly helps.
Laura Grant Alexandria, VA (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: I have a strong immune system so it didnt last more than 1 month.
Eric Green Inactive Memb. Copenhagen (Denmark)	Left	2002	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/25/03	Dr. Vagn Eskesen Copenhagen, (Denmark)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Felt inconvenient due to dry eye and kind of dead glance in eye. MVD Comments: As of 12/04/03, Lost hearing in left ear, also have a slight paralysis on the left side of the face, can't close the left eye without closing both, and I can't show my teeth on the left side either. But the progress is good and probably these small problems will disappear as time goes.
Rosemary Green North Canton, OH (USA)	Both	2001	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments:
Olympia Gregory Richmond, CA (USA)	Left	2004	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/07/07	Dr. Nickolas Barbaro San Francisco, CA (USA) Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Botox treatments allowed me to continue working, but did disfigure my face. I had a wide open eye and an a-symmetrical smile. I couldn't lift the corner of the mouth on the side where I had had the injections. MVD Comments: Update as of 12/09/08 – Was spasm free for 4 months following MVD before the spasms returned, although they are much less severe then prior to MVD. I use Lyrica, the side effects appear very minor...thought I don't know about long term use. I often go through full days without ever worrying about my HFS! I do wear slightly tinted glasses almost always when I am at work. However, I have felt so much less stress regarding my condition since I have had the MVD.
Jan Griese Hamilton, Ontario (Canada)	Left	1989	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/06/07	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I have had 26 botox injections. Becoming less effective and lasting for shorter periods. MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary.
Barbara Grimm Hamilton, Ontario (Canada)	Left	2002	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Receive Botox about every 16 to 21 weeks. Controls blepharospasm to a point.
James Guercio Buffalo, NY (USA)	Right	1996	Yes	No	Yes	2	04/20/02	Dr. Kevin J. Gibbons Buffalo, NY (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Botox injections very effective but uncomfortable. MVD Comments: After the first MVD, on 04/17/02, Dr Gibbons said he noticed the twitching had moved lower on my face and that if it didn't improve he would have to go back in. After the first surgery I wasn't to bad, a little balance problem and tired. After the second surgery, on 04/20/02, I was out for the count. I couldn't even stand up without holding on to something. I was in the hospital for about 14 days and in rehabilitation for another 10 days. As of 12/14/03, unfortunately I am not spasm free and I did lose 82% of the hearing in my right ear because of the MVD. The fact that my Doctor did not use intra-operative monitoring during my surgery most likely had a roll in my hearing loss.
Margaret Guerra Dallas, TX (USA)	Right	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/13/07	Dr. Jonathan White Dallas, TX (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Injections for the right eye worked for just a while. About 2 weeks after the first injections around the eyes. second dose effective for about 1 month now bottom of eye sags a bit more than the other. MVD Comments: Update as of 12/24/07 – I ending up in the hospital for a total of 6days instead of 3 as expected. I am currently suffering with right-sided paralysis. Had to do lots of physical and occupational therapy before going home due to the vertigo. My hearing is still there "wooohooo''. I was told by my surgeon that once he was in the head, he saw that the blood vessel was "extremely" huge and he wondered how I had managed for so long with the HFS. I also had to have a weight put under my right eyelid as my eye is unable to close, blink or even cry. They had me on a lot of "eye" drops for excessive dryness and lubrication but my cornea ended up scratched anyway. NO MORE TWITCHING, PULLING AND STUTTERING. I am happy and "grateful", I am on the road to recovery and the surgery was very well worth it. The nerve needs to heal and it will. I’m fine and extremely grateful. Despite my outcome I would honestly say to not have the "spasms", I would probably do it again".
Amelia Gutierrez East Palo Alto, CA (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	06/26/07	Dr. Allen Efron Redwood City, CA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I guess it helps, I get it every three months but never feel like the twitching ever stops. The second month is always the best. The side effects are that my face is deformed I can't smile because only one side of my face smiles and when I drive I can't really look over my left shoulder because my eye closes up. I hate needles and am very stressed when it is time for my Botox injections. MVD Comments: Update as of 06/26/08 - I can't beleive it has been one year and I'm still spasm free. I am still recovering from the facial weakness but I can say that I am almost 100% recovered from the facial pralysis.
Ernesto Gutierrez Mexico City (Mexico)	Left	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/04/063	Dr. Rogelio Revuelta Mexico City (Mexico)	Yes
	Botox Comments: It worked very well, the first 2 years (about six to eight months), then it goes down. MVD Comments as of 04/15/06: Everythink is going very well with no pain, just some (vertigo, or nausea), that is dissapearing and some auditory problems.
Martin Gutierrez Crandall, TX (USA)	Left	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/02/03	Dr. Thomas Kopitnik Dallas, TX (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Botox helps a little. After going home I got an infection on the wound and had to go back for another three days. They had to reopen the wound and clean it out. The spasms are still with me, but not as severe. The doctor said it might take several months for the spasms to disappear. Also when I woke up from the M.V.D. my voice was weak. So on 08/19/03 I was sent to another doctor (head & neck Oncology) he stuck a camera up my nose and down my throat. What was found was my vocal cord (surgery side) was paralyzed.
Tashi Gyaltsen London (United Kingdom)	Left	2006	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/03/09	Mr. Neil David Kitchen London, England (United Kingdom)	No
	Botox Comments: Botox injection OK but wears off in 2 months - never truly stopped the spasm even within 2 weeks of injection. MVD Comments: Update as of 02/04/09 - Had MVD done yesterday. Spasm still occurring. Very concerned. Researched and found that it's very common to have spasm after the operation. Milestone to look for slow disappearance of Spasm:- 1 wk (still spasm but little less), 6 wks(almost 80% gone), 3 months (over 95% gone and 6 months (should be completely free of spasm).
Tayeb Habib Ramada - Odivelas (Portugal)	Left	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/03/02	Dr. Cunha e Sa Lisbon, Portugal	Yes
	Botox Comments: left face gradually paralyzed. MVD Comments: No more spasms since I had MVD by Dr Cunha e Sa from Portugal.
Paula Hadley Barryton, MI (USA)	Left	1978	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/12/02	Dr. Oren Sagher Ann Arbor, Michigan (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Worked well for a while, then injections became more frequent and more of them to get same effect. MVD Comments: As of 12/14/03, some balance probelms, not severe, but enough to bother some of my activities. And my head is numb as a result of the incision and stitches. This is approx. 16 months following surgery. My sense of smell is a not accurate.
Roy Hall Gore, OK (USA)	Right	2001	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: relief for about 3 months
Steve Hammersmith Inactive Memb. Dallas, TX (USA)	Right	2005	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/22/07	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Became less effective and required more frequent treatments. MVD Comments: Update as of 09/25/07 - some loss of hearing on affected side, vertigo with nausea, tinnitus in right ear, "plugged up" ear, mild headaches.
Alex Handyside Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada)	Right	1990	Yes	No	Yes	1	03/08/04	Dr. Robert Brownstone Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Found out about Botox in 199, but couldn't get a Doctor to refer me until 1996. Initially lasted 4.5 months, but within two years it was only lasting two months. Gave up Botox in 2003 when it lasted just two weeks. Surgery became the only option.
Shabeeba Hannan Inactive Memb. Barrow-in-Furness (United Kingdom)	Right	2004	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/03/04	Prof Hugh Coakham Bristol, England (United Kingdom)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Very effective initially. Mild facial palsy, wore off in 3 months. Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". MVD Comments: Mild hearing loss, no other complications. I think MVD is the best thing that has happened to me! I am completely spasm free and back to leading a normal life after 10 agonizing years. Thank you Prof Coakham.
Erica Hansen La Crosse, WI (USA)	Left	2004	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Very painful during injection. It did not work and left me with a slight droop of my eyelid and mouth.
Sylvia Harmon San Antonio, TX (USA)	Left	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	03/10/03	Dr. Rob Parrish Houston, TX (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Update as of 04/23/08 - Eye would not close, mouth drooped. I saw a Dr. Davis in New Braunfels, TX and had Botox again a few months after my MVD. He did an excellent job and after a few weeks the spasms stopped. It was five years in March since my MVD and I have been spasm free since the last botox injection a few months later. I have had breast cancer surgery, two cataract surgeries and a hand operation last year, but have recovered from all of them. I just had my 72nd birthday last Sunday and went dancing to celebrate. Life is good and I owe much of it to HFSA for all the support I received in 2003. Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Kay Harper Camberley, (United Kingdom)	Right		Yes	No	Yes	1	07/27/04	Prof. Hugh Coakham Bristol (England)	No
	MVD Comments: Update as of 07/27/08 – After being spasm free for 3 years following my MVD, the spasms returned in 2007. I am taking meds at moment and they help a little. Not ready to make the decision for 2nd as yet.
Sara Hartman Jefferson City, MO (USA)	Left	2002	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/02/08	Dr. Kenneth F. Casey Detroit, MI (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". MVD Comments: Update as of 06/06/08 - Phil and I went to see Dr. Casey early this morning for my post-op appointment. Though I am still quite weak and tired, I am amazed at the improvement since Monday when I woke up from surgery and spent the next 24 hours dry-heaving. Now if I can stop sleeping during the day to be able to sleep during the night I will be doing much better. Although it sounds like I am hearing with both ears, it was evident today that my hearing is currently significantly less on the left side. At six weeks I will have an audiogram to assess how everything is working, but even if things continue as they are now, it seems livable. Dr. Casey sees some small signs of improvement to my face, but says he just has a bad feeling about the nerve. It may be that I will recover fully, but if not, there is a nerve grafting procedure called facial reanimation that can be done, either back here with Dr. Casey or at the University of Missouri closer to home. So there is much room for hope. The good news is that the spasms have stopped. Keep praying for improvement, please, that the palsy is facial nerve weakness rather than damage. For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Jane Haverkorn Savage, MN (USA)	Left	1995	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Way better than spasms. But injections hurt and sometimes get too much and results are droop.
Donovan Head Inactive Memb. Ogden, UT (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/02/04	Dr. Mark V. Reichman Salt Lake City, UT (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Tried twice, no result and extremely painfull. MVD Comments as of 06/18/04: 7th and 8th cranial nerves were overlapped and required separation resulting in a 65% hearing loss on left side. I am already deaf on right side due to mastoidectomy in 1973. Hearing aids are now required. Headaches, nausea and dizziness. I am worried that I will lose my job due to hearing loss. Trouble sleeping at night.
Deb Hegler Forest Lake, MN (USA)	Left	2006	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/12/07	Dr. Stephen J. Haines Minneapolis, MN (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Controls about 90% of the twitching, but now when I smile - the left side of my face is immobile. MVD Comments: Update as of 02/28/07 - I had a very successful MVD surgery. I am spasm free and Dr. Stephen Haines from the U of Minnesota Hospital is excellent, as well as the whole team working with him and at the U of M. I am still suffering some bad headaches, but other than that, doing Great!!!
Brookings, SD (USA)	Left	1995	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Very effective, arrests the spasm, gives me a break. It does appear as if I've had a stroke, people do ask if I have. But I'll gladly trade it to stop the spasm.
Ruth Hemphill Ozark, MO (USA)	Right	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/02/04	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Botox isn't always effective and closes my eye for several weeks after injections. Droopy eyelids a problem. Numerous times the Botox appeared not to work - perhaps the dose was too low. Some injections were successful and others were not. MVD Comments:
Ray Henderson La Mesa, CA (USA)	Right	1992	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox is reasonably effective over varying periods of time ranging from approximately 4 to 9 months. Some mild to moderate eye irritation of varying intensity/duration.
Joanna Henning Golden Valley, MN (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/13/06	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA).	No
	Botox Comments: I have stopped using Botox, and am waiting a few months before trying MVD. MVD Comments:
Stuart Hicken Inactive Memb. Basingstoke (United Kingdom)	Left	2000	Yes	Yes	Yes	2	06/01/07	Mr. Owen Sparrow Southampton, England (United Kingdom)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Been having Botox for 7 years. Has some help but causes its own problems with drooping eye lids, lack of control in corner of mouth, recurring eye infections as the eye doesn't close properly. MVD Comments: Update as of 12/14/07 - First MVD had no effect, MR scan revealed another section that appeared to be compressing nerve so underwent further surgery on different part of nerve. After MVD #2, it took until October 2007 until I became spasm free and life is wonderful!! It took a while to fade away but I'm now confident that the spasms have stopped.
Leatrice Hicks Wilmington, NC (USA)	Right	1996	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: The first time I had botox injections was in 1998. After about 2-3 weeks, I could see an improvement in the spasms. The effects of the botox lasted about 5-6 months. In 1999, I got botox injections on two (2) ocassions. In 2000, I had botox injections on two ocassions. The last time I received botox was in 2001. By this time, the botox was not controlling the spasms like it did when I first got them in 1998. I decided not to get anymore injections because they were no longer effective and because I just couldn't stand to get the needles in my face any longer. I had a bad reaction to botox only once. That was one time in 1999. Immediately after the injections, I experienced light headiness. The right nostril stopped up. I had very rapid eye movement. The right ear, temple, and eye socket hurt.
Jim Hiddle Altus, OK (USA)	Right	2004	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Effective for about one month after injection. Has caused right side of face to tighten and appears different from left side now. Insurance only covered treatments every six months. Last treatment caused bruising around the right eye.
Kelsey Hildal Cincinnati, OH (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	03/21/02	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA	Yes
	Botox Comments: first Botox treatment administered June 2001; too much at the mouth which created a look and feel of paralysis; good result on the eye area; scheduled for next treatment 10/6/01. Post MVD Comments - The first few days in the hospital are pretty bad I have to admit. But every second you are starting to feel better. I feel it was totally worth it. Now I am back doing the things I normally have been doing. Click here to see my "Personal HFS History".
Sue Hill Blue Ridge, TX (USA)	Right	1977	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/31/07	Dr. Richard H. Jackson Dallas, TX (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: I hate Botox. After injections, I sometimes could not see for up to 6 weeks, vision blurred. Also my face would look like I had a stroke. This would last up to 3 months. MVD Comments: Update as of 09/09/07 – Not yet spasm free, but it seems to be getting better. Dr. Jackson found 2 very large vessels, one on my facial nerve and one on my hearing nerve. After 30 years of HFS, of course some damage. He says he hopes it will heal and I become spasm free. Seems my hearing nerve was worse than my facial nerve, probably why I have Tinnitus. Still a little loopy, but regaining strength every day.
Julie Hillocks Toowoomba (Australia)	Left	1997	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Generally has worked very well for me - it has been a godsend really! Sometimes it does not seem to work as well as others (I have it every three months) but usually it works very well.
Paula Hiltz Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada)	Right	2003	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/15/06	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox treatments - approximately three then my mouth started to droop. Stopped treatments. Felt I could live with the twitch. Symptoms eventually went away. I thought I was cured. The spasm are now back and indeed they are spasms. Very noticable when active. I'm scheduled for more Botox treatments MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary.
William Hitchcock Boyertown, PA (USA)	Right	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/23/07	Dr. Eric Zager Philadelphia, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: After third injection, I experienced eye drooping and decided to stop injections. MVD Comments:
Brenda Hix Mission Viejo, CA (USA)	Right	2001	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/16/04	Dr. Hrayr K. Shahinian Los Angeles, CA (USA)	Yes
	Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". MVD Comments: (As of 02/22/04) Dr. Shahinian said I was in the 2% of the worst cases he had ever seen. I had 2 vessels wrapped around the 5th and 8th nerve, so I lost 80% of my hearing, causing my balance to be off, and I have to use a walker for a few weeks, he said until the swelling goes down Also I have double vision, difficult to see, cannot taste, the right side of my face is drooping and I have no feeling on that side yet so it's difficult to eat or drink.
Stephen Hoag Inactive Memb. Muskegon, MI (USA)	Right	1995	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/01/97	Dr. Ghaus Malik Detroit, MI (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: I would not recomend botox although it has helped some according to my DRs. it was not effective on me I did not like the droopyness on the right side. MVD Comments: I have some pain even now at entry site Pain follows the scar very sharp pain prelude to a spasm other than that I'm fine. I suggest any one thinking about mvd to go ahead I fell in about the 7% that failed but others have had great outcomes. If I had it to do over not knowing what I know now I still go for it.
Alison Hoang Guelph, Ontario (Canada)	Left	2003	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/03/08	Dr. Michael Tymianski Toronto, Ontario (Canada)	No
	Botox Comments: Good at the first couple of years, but look puffy after injection. MVD Comments: Update as of 11/09/08 - I am not spasm free yet, and still experience dizziness.
Dana Hoffman Marble, MN (USA)	Right	1988	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments - Botox did wonderful on "all" my illnesses (because they are related), for 4 months and then needed to have more injections that I could not afford. When I moved it was hard to find a doctor who would do it.
Joe Holdredge North Canton, OH (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	No
Thom Holland Inactive Memb. San Diego, CA (USA)	Right	1992	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/15/01	Dr. Thomas Waltz La Jolla, CA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Injections were slightly painful & helped stop the twitches but were only temporary. MVD Comments: My problem was different than most. I did not have a vein leaning against a nerve, but an artery piercing a nerve bundle. Because of the nature of the of my problem, the surgery caused me to loose hearing in the MVD ear and for two weeks, almost total loss of balance.
Nancy Holsberger Niskayuna, NY (USA)	Right	1996	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/07/08	Dr. Thomas Lovely Albany, NY (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I first recieved my Botox injection from my eye doctor however, he was never consistent and sometimes my eye drooped or my smile disappeared until the results wore off. Now I am receiving treatments from a rehabilitative Medicine specialist that uses a machine to determine where the spasms are occuring prior to the injections. However, even this can have unpredictable results at times. MVD Comments: Update as of 04/15/08 - Everything went well and I was totally spasm free from the minute I woke up. I have a million bruises but no real pain except at the incision site. I'm struggling to stay inactive but know it will be best to do that! I can't thank Dr. Lovely enough, nor the ICU staff at the hospital - they were all terrific.
Lin Hooper Madison, TN (USA)	Right	1997	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments - I had botox 4 times a year. we had to increase the dose as we went along. At times it would help 90% sometimes 60%. The shots would make me slightly nauseus and sleepy and light headed. Whether it was the botox or the spasms, My smile was effected. when I smiled only one side of my mouth would raise into a smile.
Ruth Hoschar Beaver Falls, PA (USA)	Right		Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments:
Gloria Hudson Murrysville, PA (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/23/05	Dr. Kenneth F. Casey Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Worked temporarily for 2 years then froze my face into a pull.
Karen Huffman Cabin Creek, WV (USA)	Left	1987	Yes	No	Yes	2	11/06/06	Dr. Takanori Fukushima Raleigh, NC (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Worked for 3 years then not effective. MVD Comments: Update as of 04/18/07 - I had the 7th and 8th nerves entangled in a vessel at a lower portion of the brain. I was taken back to the hospital on 11/09/06 and had the surgery site reopened and cleaned out due to an infection. I awoke with a palsy effect on the entire side of my face. I am still in the frozen state, although I believe it is getting better. Three months after the surgery I had a stitch placed in the outer eye lids to help in the closing of the eye. I still have trouble chewing and have to drink from a straw. I am happier with the palsy than I was with the spasms, at least now I have constant vision. I laugh saying, my face moved all the time so I had brain surgery and my face doesn't move at all now. (MVD #1 also on 04/18/06 also with Dr. Fukushima).
Greg Hugh Kirkland, WA (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	No	Yes	3	02/11/08	Drs. Peter J. Jannetta and Raymond Sekula, Jr. Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: It is increasingly ineffective. MVD Comments: (MVD #2 with Drs. Peter J. Jannetta and Ray Sekula on 02/06/08, MVD # 1 with Dr. Laligam N. Sekhar on 05/22/07).
Shannon Hunsecker Shippensburg, PA (USA)	Right	2005	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments - I received 3-4 injections and the first one worked for quite a few months and I had no spasms but the rest had no effect on my spasms.
Karen Hunt Hull, England (United Kingdom)	Left	1996	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	04/15/04	Mr. Kevin Morris East Yorkshire, (England)	No
	Botox Comments: Very little effect, no side effect. MVD Comments:
Jane Hurst Inactive Memb. Meridian, MS (USA)	Right	1991	Yes	No	Yes	1	10/29/03	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Took Botox injections for years, even back to experimental days. The lst few years have lost effectiveness.
Cathy Husler Mifflintown, PA (USA)	Right	2002	Yes	No	Yes	1	10/24/02	Drs. Kassam & Horowitz Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: One series of injection, only lasted 4 days then the spasms came back with a vengence. MVD Comments: The morning after my surgery, I am told that I had what they believed was a blood clot. My husband was told that in order to save my life, I had to have emergency surgery to relieve the intra-cranial pressure that developed during the night. At around 8:00 am he was compelled to sign permission to do so. I spent the next 19 days in the 4F ICU at UPMC. While there I suffered a blood clot to each lung, nearly dying again. Then was moved to a step down unit on the 12th floor. I was there 2 days, then moved to the 8th floor, where I spent 8 days. It was at that point they believed me well enough to be transferred to Squirrel Hill Rehabilitation. I was only there 3 days and did nothing but throw up and developed a nasal bleed. I was sent back to UPMC Montifiore for an additional 14 days. An Internal Medicine doctor worked with me at this hospital. In all I spent 43 days in the hospital system. During this time I was not able or allowed to eat anything by mouth, because of a swallowing problem. Then 18 days at Nittany Valley Rehab. I still have quite a bit of trouble with balance and appetite, losing over 50 pound because of a long bout with nausea. I 'ver been told many times that I should feel better in a year, but that year seem to get further and further away. I just want to feel good again. This has been so difficult for me and my entire family. I just want to feel good again.
Merlisa Ibasco (Rico) Quezon City (Philippines)	Left	2004	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Visited the doctor and prescribed Botox injections Scheduled for Botox injections on 08/03/07.
Rennette Isaac Jacksonville, FL (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/18/03	Dr. Albert Rhoton, Jr. Gainesville, FL (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Botox stops the twitching but the side effects made my eye stayed closed for the whole 3 to 4 months also my mouth would drool. My last injection was November, 2002. I have an appointment to see the doctor on August 15, 2003 and he will probably want to do the Botox again but I don't want it. MVD Comments:
Mary Ison Cabot, AR (USA)	Right	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/05/08	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Did not work MVD Comments: .
Paul Ivey Cumming, GA (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments - Botox was effective. My employer's new health insurance company will not pay for Botox.
Carole Jackson Essex (United Kingdom)	Left		Yes	No	Yes	1	03/13/08	Prof. Hugh Coakham Bristol, England (United Kingdom)	No
	Botox Comments: One small dose of Botox, helped 95% for three months and symtoms restarted. Doctor said he would increase the next dose if not sufficient. no side effects. I am apprhensive (but not objectionabe) to the use of Botox. MVD Comments: Update as of 04/03/08 – I’m 23 days post op and improving all the time. Having woken each morning with a headache for the first 7/10 days, these are now subsiding and intermittent and I’m optimistic they will fully subside. I have taken 2 x 500 mg Parecetamol at night to ease pain. Once up in the morning the headache goes away. I would add that my head on the left op side is sore to the touch (no swelling), but I suppose this is only to be expected. My scar has faded and hardly noticeable. I have not experienced any nausea. To date I class my MVD as successful with only an occasional flutter around the eye, with no more eye droop or pulling in the face. There is a slight loss of sensitivity on that side of the face, but I am sure this to will subside with time. Very important I have rested and taken things very easy. Professor Coakham, was a complete gentleman with a caring and excellent bedside manner. He gave me complete confidence and looked in on me every day whilst in hospital being 5 nights to inquire how I was feeling and to make sure I was comfortable. He moved and padded the seventh cranial nerve incorporating lateral spread response.
Oleta Jackson Durant, OK (USA)	Right	1996	Yes	No	Yes	2	07/18/06	Dr. Kenneth F. Casey Detroit, MI (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". MVD Comments: (MVD #1 with Dr. Robert Grossman on 06/10/04)
Sherry Jackson Winder, GA (USA)	Right	1989	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/24/06	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Using Botox about 5 yrs. not as effective as it used to be-don't like the stroke look but my neuro works well with me to tweak it every 3 months. MVD Comments: Update as of 08/27/07 - Oh, what a great “SPASM FREE” year it has been! I had forgotten what it felt like to smile with both sides of my mouth. I do still find myself forgetting that I don't have to sit with my back to the crowd in a restaurant and I don't have to run from meeting someone face to face. I have no lasting affects from my surgery. I made my decision to have surgery after reading everything and I mean everything on this website as well as the DVD’s. I went into brain surgery with a peace that I had done all I could do and then just put it all in God's hands. I hope those still searching will find encouragement here for whatever course of treatment you decide. It's truly a miracle to me!!!!
Sue Jackson Cranswick, East Yorkshire, England (United Kingdom)	Left	1991	Yes	No	Yes	2	11/27/07	Prof Hugh Coakham Bristol, England (United Kingdom)	No
	Botox Comments: No effect whatsoever. MVD Comments: Update as of 12/01/08 - While I still have spasms (tonus rather than flickering) my condition is 95% improved. Most spasms occur first thing in the morning and again when I am tired. I have hours of spasm free life now and can actually have a photograph taken which I don't immediately destroy. I occasionally have days when the spasms are non stop but then go back to having only two or three sessions a day. Even though I have not yet experienced a completely spasm free day - I am hoping that I will join the group of "slow healing people" and have something more positive to report at the next anniversary. (MVD #1 with Mr. Kevin Morris on 05/16/05).
Louise James Gatineau, Quebec (Canada)	Left	2006	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Unfortunately takes a couple of weeks to kick in and doesn't last very long. Doctor won't give injection more than 1x per 3 mos.
Andy Jamison Los Angeles, CA (USA)	Left	2001	Yes	No	Yes	1	03/23/05	Dr. Kim Burchiel Portland, OR (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: The neurologist put way too much in. At first I was constantly biting the inside of my mouth. Drooling. Couldn't smile. The spasms did decrease noticebly for about 4 months, however, I honestly didnt know what was worse, the spasms, or the drool! MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Kent Janes San Antonio, TX (USA)	Left	2003	Yes		No
	Botox Comments: Worked well for almost 9 months, but first three month left eye drooping and corner of mouth drooping when smiling. Most noticeable when smiling.
Dick Jarvis Haverhill, MA (USA)	Right	1996	Yes	No	Yes	2	07/31/08	Drs. Peter J. Jannetta and Raymond Sekula, Jr. Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: No longer effective, considering surgery. MVD Comments: Update as of 08/01/08 - Had MVD #2 yesterday at AGH in Pittsburgh and my recovery has been a lot easier than MVD #1. As before, I woke up "SPASM FREE" in the recovery room with no other adverse affects from the procedure! I am so greatful to the HFSA and especially Drs. Jannetta and Sekula and their staff as well as the fine caregivers at AGH!! (MVD #1 with Dr. Jannetta on 10/26/06, was spasm free for 14 months).
Keith Jelinek Wantagh, NY (USA)	Left	2001	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: I had Botox injections three times. The first two times were very successful, but had a droopy eyelid and reddening of the eyelid. The third time (12/02), the results were not as good. The twitching is still occurring, but is minimal.
Carolyn Jender Yorkville, IL (USA)	Right	2001	Yes	No	Yes	2	10/31/03	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". MVD Comments: Update as of 02/08/09 - I am doing well and still spasm-free, although twinges do happen, and when they do I am so frightful that the spasms are returning. I still have the numbness/paralysis in one spot on my face from the Botox. I do hope that before anyone uses Botox, or continues to use it for a long period of time, they consider the possible lasting side effects. (MVD #1 preformed on 10/23/03, also by Dr. Kassam, was stopped to improve the opportunity to preserve hearing.)
David Jensen Malvern, PA (USA)	Left	1986	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Controls for 3-4 months.
Jane Jeziorski San Jose, CA (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox very effective for the eye twitch; not so for the facial twitch. Had injections in the cheek area and ended up with a "Howdy Doody" smile...Oh Yucch....
R. W. (Bob) Johnson East Helena, MT (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/11/03	Dr. Fred G. McMurry Billings, MT (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Spasm Free for first 3 days. Some spasms on day 4,5,&6.
Kathy Johnson - TN Knoxville, TN (USA)	Right	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/16/06	Dr. Michael Horowitz Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". MVD Comments:
Kathy Johnson - VA Mechanicsville, VA (USA)	Right	1984	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/16/97	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Mixed results - stopped spasms for a few months but at the expense of temporary muscle paralysis that sometimes left me looking like a stroke victim. Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". Post MVD Conditions - Scalp is still tender at site of incision even after all this time!
Wendy Johnson Inactive Memb. Douglassville, PA (USA)	Left	1992	Yes	Yes	Yes	2	10/19/99	Drs. Jannetta & Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: It's better than no treatments. MVD Comment - I wish to be fixed. Dr. Kassam will not operate again, I am researching other facilities for help. I find it to be a hideous way to live. I can not get up for three days at a time due to serious head pain.
Mark Jones Ottawa, IL (USA)	Right	1997	Yes	No	Yes	1	03/14/02	Dr. Gail Rosseau St. Luke's Medical Center, Chicago, IL	No
	Botox Comments: I was desperate for some relief, it did the job. I felt a cycle of relief of my symptoms with each set of injections, good for a month then slowly the symptoms or variations of my original symptoms would appear. MVD Comments -
Bob Josephs Monroe Township, NJ (USA)	Right	2005	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: First treatment (January 2006) worked for about two months. Second treatment (April 2006) is not working at all. Slow eye blink in affected eye, can't whistle, and distorted smile.
Dianne Joyce Sydney (Australia)	Right		Yes	No	Yes	1	04/15/04	Prof. Michael Besser Sydney (Australia)	No
	Botox Comments: Using Botox for 2yrs. 4 injections immediatley around the eye every 3 months. Seems to reduce severity of spasm at eye. No obvious side affects. Perhaps a slight dryness in eyeball,(which could just be from the spasm). MVD Comments: Update as of 04/24/08: I was one of the slow healers. Although I had absolutely no side effects from the surgery which went very smoothly it took me about a little over 2½ years to be “SPASM FREE”. Even now though I am spasm free about 95% of the time I do have the occasional relatively low intensity spasm (but still noticeable) usually associated with tiredness or stress. As long as the frequency or intensity doesn’t increase from this level I am not complaining. In fact I feel very happy and lucky to be where I am today. I didn’t regret having the MVD even when I wasn’t spasm free initially.
Yoshiki Kagawa Fresno, CA (USA)	Right	1997	Yes	No	Yes	2	06/21/02	Dr. Nickolas Barbaro San Francisco, CA.	No
	Botox Comments: The Botox worked well at first, but lasted only for 3 to 4 months. As the spasms progressed down my face, the Botox was less and less effective. Side effects included dry eyes, blurred vision if injections were too close to the eye, and distored face. MVD Comments: 2nd MVD resulted in an approximate 20% hearing loss and spasms remain. (1st MVD also with Dr. Nicolas Barbaro at UCSF Medical Center, San Francisco, CA on 01/11/02).
Jayne Kaiser St. Thomas, Ontario (Canada)	Right	1988	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Helps condition for 3 months.
Jeryl Kam Aiea, HI (USA)	Left	2008	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox around eyes and cheek. Seems the treatment may have been too strong. Left eye couldnt blink naturally so had to close both eyes from time to time to avoid dryness and also rest right eye which kept "winking."
Bobbie Kaplan Willowbrook, IL (USA)	Left	1985	Yes	Yes	Yes	2	10/06/05	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: I have been taking Botox for about 10 years.They seem to lessen the severity of the spasm but does not stop the spasm altogether. Every time I have a shot I tell myself it is the last one, that I don't need it, but after a couple of months the spasms are very strong and hinder my vision. No side effects (at least as far as I can tell) so I keep getting the shots. MVD Comments: (MVD #1 on 10/16/88 with Dr. Howard Reichmann, Maywood, IL (USA))
Denise Kaplan Jackson. NJ (USA)	Right	2005	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: botox.. 1st treatment too much by mouth..looked like bells palsy, 2nd treatment by eye only..much better but still have minor twitching, etc. Scheduled for MVD Consultation 07/21/09 with Dr. Peter J. Jannetta, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA (USA).
Fazale Kareem Karachi (Pakistan)	Left	2001	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Botox did not work properly. On the contrary I found my left face disfigured and blinking increased.
Mike Karim Santa Clarita, CA (USA)	Right	2003	Yes	No	Yes	1	10/24/07	Dr. John Alksne La Jolla, CA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Tried Botox for about 3 years. Results were unreliable. No side effects. Smile seems to be getting crooked. Stopped Botox in Feb.2006. MVD Comments: Update as of 10/25/07 - I had my successful surgery yesterday with Dr. Alksne in San Diego. Dr. Alksne is great, and I woke up spasm free today. I am writing this e-mail from the hospital. I have a severe headache and some balance issues, which is to be expected. I am keeping my fingers crossed.
Janice Karnes Inactive Memb. Harrisonburg, VA (USA)	Right	1994	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/25/03	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: My last injections were June 2002. I can't lift my eyebrow and my face is saggy - is that HFS or the residue of Botox? Click here to see my "Personal HFS History".
Debbie Kelly Inactive Memb. Pompton Plains, NJ (USA)	Right	1988	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/99	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA	Yes
	MVD Comments: The surgery gave me a large portion of my confidence back. I became more the person I was before the spasms started. The surgery and Dr. Jannetta were both a miracle in my life. Would I do it again...You bet!
Marylou Kelly Inactive Memb. Seminole, FL (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	10/08/04	Dr. Michael Dogali Clearwater, FL (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: had a black and blue eye, couldn't shut my eye properly. It did last about 3 months. MVD Comments: Still have eye and facial spasms, clicking in left ear during spasms. I had infection after the operation from the mesh that covered my skull. I took oral anti-biotics for 8 weeks and then had IV antibiotics for another 6 weeks, ended up with another surgery to remove the infected mesh.
Susan Kelly Denver, CO (USA)	Right	2005	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: I tried Botox 04/10/06 and I am experiencing some reduction in spasm.
Linda Kepler Lawrenceville, GA (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: I had my first botox injection on 11/30/07. It has helped a bit, they said it would take some time so I am still hoping for some relief.
Asia Kho (Singapore)	Right	2004	No		Yes	2	02/20/09	Dr. Alvin Hong (Singapore)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I began Botox in May 2004, with an interval of 4-6 months, until September 2008. MVD Comments: Update as of 02/28/09 - I'm home after my successful MVD #2 and I'm spasm free with no loss of hearing. (MVD #1 on 02/16/09 also with Dr. Hong).
Eric Kho (Singapore)	Left	1997	No		No
Deah Killpack So. Ogden, UT (USA)	Left	1986	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: About 80% effective. It helps decrease my headaches and works very well around my eye, but when given around my mouth, I can't smile and I bite the inside of my lip.
Kathleen Kirsan Lincoln, CA (USA)	Left	1985	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Only stopped it for 2 months, made side of my face sag, expensive.
John Kirsch Inactive Memb. Newton, IA (USA)	Left	2004	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/29/08	Dr. John M. Tew Cincinnati, OH (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Does not work, painful to have injected in face. MVD Comments: Update as of 07/31/08 - My 7th nerve was VERY compressed. There was some issues with my hearing aids and the possible loss of more hearing but Dr Tew monitored hearing throughout the surgery which resulted in NO hearing problems at all.
Doug Kirton Kitchener, Ontario (Canada)	Right	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/07/05	Dr. Michael Tymianski Toronto, Ontario (Canada)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox did not eradicate symptoms; it only lessened them. It caused facial asymmetry and affected my eyesight. MVD Comments: As of 07/25/05 - My MVD surgery for HFS was successful, although I did not expect the recovery period to be so arduous. I experienced severe headache and nausea for about 10 days following the procedure. Seven weeks later I am still experiencing some vertigo and dizziness which may be due to swelling and fluid in the inner ear. I believe this problem is abating, although the progress is slow. My surgeon has referred me to an inner ear specialist if the symptoms persist into September, (or 6 weeks following my first post surgery follow-up appointment).
Steve Kiser Goose Creek, SC (USA)	Left	2003	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: I tried Botox twice. The first time it caused my face to droop and would not let my left eye close entirely. This caused my eye to dry out while I slept, and this caused a bad infection in my eye. This was very serious to because I am blind in my right eye. My doctor talked me into trying a lesser dose for attempt number two. This did not help me at all. I will not use botox again.
Cindy Kline Ft. Collins, CO (USA)	Right	2000	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences".
Sherry Knox Washburn, ND (USA)	Right	1974	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Injection by the right eye in 1983 and it helped quite a bit but never completely got rid of the problem. The right side of the face seemed to get a bit more droopy and slowly the twitching and spasm has returned. This last year it has gotten worse fast.
Diane Koch Westlake, OH (USA)	Left	1999	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Very effective in the beginning. Later most difficult to get right in the face, always some droop. Works good on keeping the eye open.
Calven Koh Petaling Jaya (Malaysia)	Right	2004	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Manages to reduce the spasm for 3-5 months only.
Eileen Kondraski Wilkes-Barre, PA (USA)	Right	2001	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: I have seen 3 neurologists which all have suggested Botox. I tried the Botox almost 2 years ago and it did nothing!(3 injections). I am thinking of trying Botox again. Trying to get an appointment with another neurologist out of town.
Jeremy Kratt Goodrich, MI (USA)	Right	2000	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox, works well but just covers up. Just used once.
Karen Krueger Cambridge, MN (USA)	Right		Yes	No	Yes	1	11/08/06	Dr. Michael J. Link Rochester, MN (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: paralyzed eyelids - but could still feel strong pulling in the muscles. Very dry eyes MVD Comments: Update as of 12/09/06: It has been exactly one month since my MVD surgery on 11/08/06 t St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester, MN with Dr. Michael Link. I’m happy to report that I have been “SPASM FREE” free since waking up after surgery that day and for that I am very grateful. My surgery lasted about 3 1/2 hours and Dr. Link reported that it was a very complicated surgery, with an artery going back through and between the 7th and 8th nerves and wrapping around. There were also many other smaller arteries that were involved. Dr. Link was very confident that they have taken care of the spasms completely and they will not return. The other complications that I am left with now are hearing loss in the right ear, weakness on the right side of my face, vertigo and loss of taste on the right side of my tongue particularly. All of these things have been improving except the hearing in my right ear. Surgery was on a Wednesday morning and after recovery, I was moved to ICU for one night - on Thursday they moved me to the post op floor. Following surgery I had no spasms but had intense vertigo and double vision. Late Friday one of the nurses was determined to get me walking and we did it - but I was really only half there - but on the road to waking up. Saturday and Sunday went much better and Monday my doctors made the decision to move me to the Rehab Floor since I could barely use the bathroom on my own and could not get out of bed by myself. Tuesday I was moved to the Rehab Unit where I stayed for another 8 days until going home on 11/22/06. My hospital stay was 15 days and I am now going to Physical Therapy in Cambridge 3 times a week. I was thinking in the hospital that the MVD was a mistake because recovery and some of the trade offs seem pretty drastic - but my husband helped me through that when he reminded me that I was nearly losing my mind with the constant spasms - and we now know from the results of the surgery that the spasms would have only become worse and the surgery would have eventually been more difficult for me. Like he just said yesterday - when I had spasms they were only getting worse - now after surgery I am daily showing progress in recovery so am daily getting better. Right now there is no hearing that I can tell in my right ear, and I came home with a walker but I am able to walk throughout the house without help but I hold walls and countertops. My double vision is gone but I am having trouble with both eyes working together so it feels like I'm out of focus a lot. I am going to physical therapy and working on retraining my brain to work with my vestibular system which has been altered by the trauma to my 8th nerve (auditory). My right eye does not blink or shut, my right eyebrow doesn't raise and my mouth does not smile on the right side - the trauma to my 7th nerve. All of this sounds miserable but I am convinced that Dr. Link did an outstanding job taking care of the spasm the very best he could given that he found difficult circumstances. He is very optimistic that the facial weakness is only temporary and that my equilibrium will be completely back to normal in a short amount of time. I had fantastic care at St. Mary's Hospital and we found that our Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance coverage was completely cooperative with all of my care - including the week in rehab and the ongoing rehab that was prescribed by the therapists at St. Mary's.
Raj Kumar Boise, ID (USA)	Left	2007	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Didnt work.
Rudy Kurkjian Temecula, CA (USA)	Right	2003	Yes		No
Angelia Kwok Clovis, CA (USA)	Left	2001	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/05/08	Dr. Hrayr K. Shahinian Los Angeles, CA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". MVD Comments: Update as of 05/10/09 - It happened all of a sudden, exactly 6 months and 4 days after my MVD.......I noticed my spasms were completely gone. For the last month, I got intermittent twitches that lasted seconds, but still occurred whenever I ate or opened my mouth wide or faced a stressful situation. Another trigger was biting my lip. I've been playing with it for 2 days now, just to be sure, and I can't even "make" it happen. I think I’m now finally spasm-free. For those who had MVD and still have spasms......give it time.....and have faith.....things will get better! For further details, click here to see my "MVD Diary
Sallyann Ladbrook Perth (Australia)	Right	2000	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments:
Linda Laffey St. Louis, MO (USA)	Left	1975	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	07/15/85	Dr. Alexander Marchosky St. Louis, MO (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Seemed fairly effective at first (about 10 years ago or more); however, has always produced drooping mouth, eye that stays dry and tends toward infection, muscle weakness. MVD Comments: The MVD did not "work" at all. Had a consultation for MVD #2 consultation on March 29, 2004 with Dr. Robert Grubb , Barnes Hospital/Washington University Medical School, St. Louis, MO (USA). Following the consultation, decided to stay with Botox for now.
Jose Lagos Naples, FL (USA)	Right		Yes	Yes	Yes	1	07/15/04	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Sometimes effective MVD Comments: As of 08/18/05, "SPASM FREE" but had a complete hearing loss on the HFS side and experience vertigo and balance problems.
Joseph Lai Toronto, Ontario (Canada)	Left	2001	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/08/07	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)	Yes
	Tried botox once. But I am concerned with the long term effectiveless of the drug and its effect on facial nerve. MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary.
Catherine Landis Inactive Memb. Los Angeles, CA (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	03/14/02	Dr. Hrayr Shahinian Los Angeles, CA	Yes
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences".
Leesa Lane Lake Panasoffkee, FL (USA)	Right	1990	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/99	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA	No
Jose Lagos Naples, FL (USA)	Right		Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Sometimes effective.
Carol Lanham Woodstock, OH (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	No>	Yes	1	05/03/06	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". MVD Comments:
Susan Lankford Abilene, TX (USA)	Left	2007	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: I tried three sets of injections. They worked for a couple of weeks and then the HFS would return. The left side of my face started to look 10 years younger than the right side. It was not a permanent fix and I didn't think the time and cost involved was worth it.
Denise LaPoint Gallatin, TN (USA)	Left	2001	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Botox 50 cc to 100 cc numbness around areas injected.
Cathy Larsen Hastings, MN (USA)	Right	1991	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/08/04	Dr. Stephan Haines Minneapolis, MN (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Initially effective but I've always had a lot of droopiness and I used to have excess tearing. I've been getting Botox for 13 years. For the past year it doesn't seem to stop the spasms much and I am very frustrated with the side effects. MVD Comments: Update as of 11/09/07 - I am delighted to be able to say I am still SPASM FREE ! Immediately after finding this group I knew a MVD was right for me. Although my surgery was 3 years ago, I have only been spasm free for a little less than 2 years as it took 14 months post op for my facial nerve to heal completely. There were many times I thought my surgery was unsuccessful, as did my neurosurgeon, but patience paid off in the end. (I had HFS for 14 years with many Botox treatments during that time). I am going to send Dr. Haines a thank you note as he changed my life by taking care of my facial "deformity". He did train under the fabulous Dr. Jannetta so my thanks to him as well.
Mary Larson Arlington Heights, IL (USA)	Right	1994	Yes	No	Yes	2	08/05/04	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA	Yes
	Botox Comments: Injections beginning in 1999;six injections (upper and lower eyelids and cheek) resulting in dry eyes and slight paralysis and drooping of right side of mouth. Effective in cessation of spasms for a short period of time. Botox injections every four to six months, last series not as effective. MVD Comments: Update as of 08/04/08 – It’s my 4th anniversary of MVD #2. After my 1st surgery, I said I would not hesitate to go back if I needed a 2nd one. Little did I know that I would do just that. But I enjoyed the short time I was spasm free after the 1st one and just had to try again. Four years being spasm free is truly a wonderful gift for which I am so thankful. Granted there have been a few times when I became anxious because of slight twitching, wondering just where it was headed. I am so grateful for this wonderful support group and for what it did for me when the members numbered around 180 when I joined, and for what it continues to do in the way of supporting others. (MVD #1 with Dr. Jannetta on 01/30/03 and was spasm free for 1 year).
Polly Layer Redwood City, CA (USA)	Right	1991	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox does help, but I do need the shots every 4-5 months.
Becky Layman Roanoke, VA (USA)	Right	2002	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: They gave me too much and my mouth has never been the same!
Alton Lee Singapore (Singapore)	Left	2001	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: It help for 3 months to 4 months.
Katherine Lee Huntersville, NC (USA)	Right	1994	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/21/07	Dr. Anthony Asher Charlotte, NC (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Good results, usually. Results seem quite dependent on the skill / experience level of the doctor. Last injection had no effect, however. MVD Comments: Update as of 04/25/08 - I woke up from my MVD surgery with “NO SPASMS” and no spasms to date.
Lawrence Lee Inactive Memb. Oak Park, IL (USA)	Left	1997	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/14/07	Drs. Peter J. Jannetta and Raymond Sekula, Jr. Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I have been using Botox for many years now to treat the left side of my face. Sometimes it works but its always temporary. When the Botox kicked in, it made me forget I even had HFS. But after 3-4 month, it comes back and its upsetting. That’s the problem with Botox, when it works, it make you ignore the severity of HFS. After awhile the spasm has moved down the left side of my face and is pulling my mouth and neck. Because HFS gets worse over time it made me realize I have just been treating the symptoms, which is like ignoring I have this, when I should have been looking for a permanent solution all along. MVD Comments: Update as of 03/04/08 - I am very happy to report that although it took 4 months, I am now spasm free! I had my surgery with Dr. Peter Jannetta and Dr. Ray Sekula at Allegheny General on Nov. 14, 2007. My spasms were still there after the surgery but not as intense, and gradually got less and less. Only when my wife asked me a few days ago how my spasms have been did I realize, oh it's gone! I didn't even notice because it was so gradual and slight. I have to give deep thanks to Dr Jannetta and Dr Sekula for a great successful MVD. They are the absolute best and they have given me my life and my confidence back. And thanks to the HFSA group, I was able to make an informed decision about doing the MVD. Thank you.
Mary Lee Croydon (United Kingdom)	Right	1996	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox is the only thing that relieves it temporarily for sometime 6 weeks to 8 weeks. I'm impressed as only thing that seems to work for awhile but sometimes I get bad headaches.
Setiaman Lee (Singapore)	Right	1996	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/21/04	Dr. Tseng Tsai Yeo (Singapore)	No
	Botox Comments: When the spasms become worse and I can't hold them I visit my doctor to get Botox. Have gotten Botox injections twice, so far it stops the spasms but I lost my smile.
Bill Lehn Shakopee, MN (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	12/20/05	Dr. Mark Larkins Regions Hospital, St.Paul MN (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Botox for 2.5 years. Worked at first to mask the effects but the spasms were sill there. (see below) MVD Comments: Update as of 12/20/07 - Two years after my surgery the spasms are no better or worse. I have learned to live with them but need the Botox every three months. My doctor has found the correct spots/dose to get me through for the 3 months. I often wonder "what if I would have gone to PA for the surgery, would they been able to find my compression because they do so many surgeries”? If I knew they could fix it I would try it again. I have learned to deal so no new plans at this point.
Anne LeMay Zephyrhills, FL (USA)	Left	1990	Yes	No	Yes	1	10/28/04	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA	Yes
	Botox Comments: I had Botox injections by my neurologist every 3 months for 5 years. The twitching never completely went away with the injections, but they did seem to lessen for a month or so after each treatment. I did lose a lot of muscle tone in my face and eyelids and found that looking in the mirror was more depressing than the twitching was. My last Botox treatments were two years ago, when I had what I believe was a bit of a remission (the twitch was still there, but the intensity was lessened). I stopped the Botox at that time. MVD Comments: I feel like a new woman.
Helen Lembeck Chula Vista, CA (USA)	Left	2004	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox injections every three months - works to prevent the fluttering and spasms, but results in paralyzing the left side of my face!
Joelle Lemery Inactive Memb. Chalons en Champagne (France)	Right	1992	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/09/06	Dr. Jacques Magnan Marseilles (France)	Yes
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". MVD Coments:
Douglas Levangie Inactive Memb. New Liskeard Ontario (Canada)	Left	1996	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/13/01	Dr. Fred Gentili Toronto, Canada	No
	Botox Comments: Had injections six times. The first injections worked fairly well for about three months. Each subsequent injection worked less well until no relief at all. No serious side effects with injections, some trouble closing left eye for the first two weeks after injections and numb feeling in left side of face. Post MVD Conditions - As of 6/22/01, awoke with spasms, but spasms seem to have subsided slightly over the last week, but still there.
John Lewis Inactive Memb. Colorado Springs, CO (USA)	Left	1985	Yes	No	Yes	1	01/07/01	Dr. Michael Brown Colorado Springs, CO (USA)	No
Joy Lewis Chicago, IL (USA)	Right	1980	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/24/03	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: About 2 years ago started Botox injections, first one was heaven and the rest have helped as well. The first time, that side of my face was so relaxed and as a result, my whole body was much more at ease in NOT fighting the spasms (realized how subconscious that physical reaction was). Have had injections 3-4 times a year for about the past 2 years and they have been very effective for me. MVD Comments: Update as of 07/29/08 – I have been “SPASM FREE” for the last 2 to 2 1/2 years. It was a very slow process and a bit confusing, especially when trying to understand whether I would need a second MVD or not. I kept seeing small improvements, so I decided to wait. It paid off. I hope to write my diary, w/emphasis on long term healing -- by year's end! The HFSA made it all possible! I will be forever grateful!
Marcia Licata Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Left	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	03/20/01	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
Paula Lindsey Molile, AL (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	07/12/07	Dr. Troy Middleton Mobile, AL (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Does control spasms, but continued use is concerning. MVD Comments: Update 05/30/09 Spasms returned days after surgery and continue to worsen. Began Botox within 3 months of MVD. I am now almost 2 years post MVD and am considerring returning to my neurologist for possible second surgery.
Eric Little Fisherville, KY (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/09/06	Dr. Laligam N. Sekhar Seattle, WA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: I started in 2000 with Botox and hated it, but now that tegretol isn't working have had to go back to botox. Am on my second dose and it is having the usual side effects regarding loss of smile with only slight effectiveness. MVD Comments: Update 10/02/06 (5 Months post-op) 1) Hearing Loss: almost 100% in the hfs ear. I can hear some random noises - as long as it's otherwise quiet. 2) Severe Facial Weakness: Very slight improvement, but mostly the HFS side is motionless, sometimes side. 3) Eyelid Doesn't Blink Properly - my HFS side eyelid wouldn't close all the way. Has improved a bit, but still isn't back to normal. 4) Occasional Flutters: because the HFS side is pretty much paralyzed, I don't get many twitches now. But I can kind of feel it still lurking "underneath", and I can hear slight buzzes when the flutters happen. Other than that I am back to normal. My balance and taste have both returned, and the swelling in my tongue is gone. It didn't take long to put back on the 10 pounds I lost during the week of surgery.
Judi Liu Redmond, WA (USA)	Right	1991	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/29/07	Dr. Robert C. Rostomily Seattle, WA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I had 3 injections. Only in the second month of 1st injection, I had peaceful time of spasm. It's not effective in my case. Compare my spasm before and after Botox (9 month period), before was more of twitching the muscle around the eyes and cheek with pulling up the corner of mouth, now spasm is close the right eye and pull up the mouth for several seconds (tightening not twitching), then let go. MVD Comments:
Robert Lively Las Vegas, NV (USA)	Left	2001	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/31/05	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Treated spasms well at start had to increase number of injections over time which caused appearance to be unbalanced along with a number of other uncomfortable side effects. MVD Comments:
Alan Loffert Orlando, FL (USA)	Left	1994	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/21/04	Dr. Albert Rhoton, Jr. Gainesville, FL (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: No real relief or benefit MVD Comments: I lived with HFS for nearly 10 years and just about every picture of me during that period of time reflects my eye closed. Since having MVD in May 2004 I have had 100% relief and almost forget I ever had this problem. Can't beleive I waited so long to do it.
Janet W. Long Inactive Memb. Richmond, VA (USA)	Left	1983	Yes	No	Yes	1	10/07/94	Dr. K. Singh Sahni Richmond, VA	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox did not help. The one time it was used it caused facial drooping. Post MVD Conditions - None
Susan Lopez Chicago, IL (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Botox from 2002-2008. I stopped the Botox August 2008 because it became less effective as the years went by and sometimes I couldn't close my left eye, causing dryness. I'm was also tired of having the left side of my face paralyzed by Botox. MVD Comments: Scheduled for MVD on 06/30/09 with Dr. Christoper Getch, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA.
Ann Loyd Inactive Memb. Houston, TX (USA)	Right	2002	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/14/05	Dr. Subrata Ghosh Houston, TX (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox worked for 3mo at a time. It worked to slow down but not stop the twitching. Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". MVD Comments:
Dana Lucas McMinnville. OR (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences".
Peggy Lucas Homer City, PA (USA)	Right	2004	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox injections twice - first one they did the whole side of my face (even tho' the Dr. had diagnosed it as blepharospasm) & my mouth developed an extreme droop. The first one did not help my eye much. The second set was done just around the eye & it seems to help for the eye - now I'm having more spasms in the cheek & mouth area.
Reba Lucas Jenkins, KY (USA)	Right	1996	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox has helped me to keep my sanity; however, I wish I did not have to take it. It leaves me with the sagging face & lopsided smile. It helps with my eye, but creates havoc from the eye down.
Judy Lyman Surprise, AZ (USA)	Right	1999	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: While it works, I don't like what it does. I have trouble forming some words, I have difficulty in drinking and eating, my eye dries out because I can't blink very well
John MacBain Inactive Memb. Carmel, IN (USA)	Right	1992	Yes	No	Yes	1	10/06/05	Dr. Troy Payner Indianapolis, IN (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Tired of a drooping face MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Victoria MacDonald Melrose, MA (USA)	Left	2003	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments:
Douglas Macdougall Medicine Hat, Alberta (Canada)	Left	1997	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/23/04	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)	Yes
	Botox Comments: 2 rounds. Eye remarkably better. Cheek better. Mouth slightly better but lots of cheek biting when eating. Second round of botox less satisfactory, and led to decision to have surgery.
Deb Machak Inactive Memb. Gurnee, IL (USA)	Right	2004	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/06/07	Dr. Gail Rosseau Chicago, IL (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: My third botox treatment gave me bell's palsy, which took about 6 months to completely dissipate. MVD Comments: Update as of 04/17/09 - The frequency of spasms has lessened since surgery. I was spasm free for 4 days following surgery. Significant spasms occur when reading fine print, speaking in front of a group, when I'm upset, or when I'm trying to concentrate.
Glenn MacLaren Launceston (Australia)	Left	1996	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Not very effective. The facial distortions were severe (many people commented I had Bell's Palsy. Did not stop the twitching and the corresponding headaches in the right front of the head and the stiff nape of the neck.
Doug Magnuson Willmar, MN (USA)	Right	2002	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/18/08	Dr. Michael J. Link Rochester, MN (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox worked great the first time, each subsequent injection did not have the same effect for me as the very first injection. I was impressed the first time as it did relieve the symptoms. I was injected near the eye lid one time, experienced dry eye due to not being able to blink properly. Last Botox injection was May 2007. MVD Comments: Update as of 12/09/08 – Follow-up at Mayo Clinic Audiogram showed no hearing change post-op, Dr. Shelly Cross (neurologist) and Dr. Michael Link (neurosurgeon) very pleased with results. Dr. Link said that he’s reasonably sure that the spasms won't reoccur and that I am cured of the spasms. He was happy that I experienced no spasm post-op as that is not always the case. He advised that I can resume all normal activities, lifting, etc. Hooray!!
Keira Majors Huntsville, AL (USA)	Left	1994	Yes	No	Yes	2	11/26/01	Dr. Winfield Fisher, III Birmingham AL	Yes
	Botox Comments - Botox before my MVD seemed to help, but I had to get enough to basically paralyze the entire left side of my face. I have 3 injections since my MVD and they have not helped at all. Before the first MVD, I never had any spasms involving the ear, but afterward, the Stapedius muscle inside my ear was the muscle most frequently involved in spasms,and it cannot be reached with Botox. MVD Comments - MVD Comments - MVD # 1&2 with Dr. Winfield Fisher, III, 2nd on 11/26/01, 1st on 08/09/01 - was Spasm Free after #2 until 12/02.
Abby Malseed Harrisburg, PA (USA)	Right	1997	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: They couldn't get the dosage correct, I suffered from paralysis.
Rick Manus German Valley, IL (USA)	Left	1990	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: At first they lasted 6 months. In the last two years they only last 2-3 months.
Noel Mariano Atlanta, GA (USA)	Right	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/30/08	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments - Doesn't totally hide the twitching. MVD Comments - MVD Comments - Update as of 01/04/09: My MVD went thru very well without any complications and no loss of hearing except for some movement in the right eye for a few days. It's been 8 months and no spasm at all and hopefully this will continue.
Bertha Marin Houston, TX (USA)	Left	2001	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Have only had one treatment, about 5-6 injections, but not sure if I want to continue due to side effects that can occur.
Massimo Marini Montville, NJ (USA)	Right	2001	Yes	Yes	No
Sheila Martens Perryville, MO (USA)	Right	1998	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: never took the twitch away, the face really pulled, & the eye droops, it closes when I try to read.
Mitch Martin San Antonio, TX (USA)	Left	1989	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Typical good news, typical bad news. Dermatoligist administered. Problem is to get insurance to help pay.
Mary Anne Maslanka Locust Grove, GA (USA)	Left	2002	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/01/05	Dr. Jeffery Olson Atlanta, GA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: My face swelled. Severe headache that lasted for days, severe bruising at injection sites, face drooped significantly...all with just one treatment...and my face was still in motion...did not try it a second time. MVD Comments: Update as of 07/01/08 - My spasms are now worse than before surgery, affecting my speech and sight. They are not really painful, but very uncomfortable and I feel tired all the time. I do not currently have sufficient insurance to undergo another surgery.....I have learned to live with the inconveniences.
Russell Mayes Woodbridge, VA (USA)	Left	2002	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Just started--did not get shots right near the eye--and as a result eye twitching so far is the same--very distracting--hard to carry on day-to-day work conversations with my eye all over the place!!
Diane McClain Springfield, IL (USA)	Right	2003	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/16/04	Dr. Gail Rosseau Chicago, IL (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: I had my first series on 05/30/03 (28 injections). I have some drooping on the right side of my mouth, but I can live with that better than I could the spasms! Now I only have spasms in my lower face at night when I lay down, and not as many butterflies beating their wings in my ears. As soon as the spasms start up even slightly I will begin the process to obtain insurance approval and try it again (avoiding the location that caused the drooping) and hope it is as effective. MVD Comments:
Jim McCormack Charlotte, NC (USA)	Right		Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox-works pretty good, but I must go to the neurologist about 3 times a year-injections.
Darrin McCoy Inactive Memb. Olathe, KS (USA)	Left	2004	Yes	No	Yes	1	10/31/07	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Only lastsabout 3 months and doesn't seem to stop the twitching completely. Stopped Botox as I'm pursuing a MVD. MVD Comments: Update as of 11/21/07 - MVD was successful but for the first time in Dr. Jannetta’s 40 years, I developed hydrocephalus from the surgery. Was very sick and in ICU for last 1 1/2 weeks. Had 3 procedures total, including the initial MVD. They have theorized that if it is Chiari the hydro from it may have been his headache problem all along. Time and testing will tell. The spasms are still gone as of now and for that I'm so grateful!
Janice McCoy Lewisville, NC (USA)	Right	2002	Yes	No	Yes	1	01/12/09	Dr. Mark A. Lyerly Winston-Salem, NC (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Effectively stops spasms but only for a couple of months, and over 4 weeks of severe eye irritation after each treatment. MVD Comments:
Jim McDonald St. Ignace, MI (USA)	Left	2001	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	06/21/06	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: works on occasion ... sometimes effective and sometimes like I never had it at all. MVD Comments: As of 08/25/06 - 98% of facial palsy is gone, still no hearing in left ear & poor body balance, partial numbness on right side of hip and right leg but resuming regular activities.
Colleen McDoniell Summerdale, AL (USA)	Left	2004	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Botox worked the first time, I had some minor droppiness of my eyelid and mouth but the spasms stopped completely for one year. I recently had my second injection and so far the only thing it has helped is my left eye no longer shuts completely during a spasm.
Molly McElvain Pinckneyville, IL (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: It seems to work for me for 3 months at a time, then it wears off and the spasms return.
Karen McFaddin Sammamish, WA (USA)	Left	1981	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/23/01	Dr. John Loeser Seattle, WA	Yes
	Botox Comments: I think it was difficult for the Dr. to pinpoint the exact spot to insert the botox, sometimes I would have a droopy eye, other times a droopy entire left face though I remember one time telling him to "zap" the entire area as I was sick of the constant spasms!!! Post MVD Conditions - Slight hearing loss, could be due to the aging; slight droop & weakness on MVD side of face but nothing I would consider an ongoing permanent complication.(12/14/03)
Brian McFarlane Regina, Saskatchewan (Canada)	Left	2003	Yes	No	Yes	2	05/27/08	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Didn't really do anything except cause my face to droop. MVD Comments: Update as of 06/02/08 - My wife and I arrived back in Regina on the evening of 05/31/08. My surgery went well, and I woke up with “NO SPASMS”!! Oh, what a feeling! The headaches are very minimal, and at this time almost non-existent. Just to let things heal now. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Time to rest,(MVD #1 with Dr. Kaufmann on 05/22/07).
James McGonigal Chicago Ridge, IL (USA)	Right		Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences". Click here to see my "Personal HFS History".
Gloria McKeague Batavia, IL (USA)	Right	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/31/08	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox would leave my eyelid and mouth drooping. Other times I wouldnt be able to close my eyelid, which made sleeping and showering difficult (OOCH soap/shampoo). I'd have double vision and still could feel the spasm in my head. The shots would only last 4-6 weeks. MVD Comments:
Charlotte McKinney Inactive Memb. Fredericksburg, VA (USA)	Right	1993	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/01/01	Drs. Kassam & Horowitz Pittsburgh, PA	No
	MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Lynn McKay Surrey, British Columbia (Canada)	Left	1992	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	11/10/01	Dr. Felix A. Durity Vancouver BC (Canada) Seattle, WA	No
	Botox Comments: Controls eye spasms to some extent, but not mouth area. MVD Comments: Was spasm free immediately after MVD until April 2006, 4 1/2 years. Symptoms gradually emerged and I now require Botox to control spasms.
Sheila McLaughlin Cincinnati OH (USA)	Right	2007	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: I'm on my first Botox treatment, 02/20/09. So far, the twitching is more pronounced than before.
Angela McMillen Inactive Memb. Little Rock, AR (USA)	Left	2002	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/06/07	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: droopy left side after injections. Lost smile. Eye dry. MVD Comments: Update as of 08/2007: Feeding tube for 4 weeks, lost 20 pounds, dizziness, left side facial paralysis.
Anna Michael Inactive Memb. Port Orange, FL (USA)	Right	1989	Yes	No	Yes	2	10/18/05	Dr. Anthony Asher Charlotte, NC (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I used Botox for at least 2 years. It worked well at first, then gradually lost effectiveness. But I would have stopped using it anyway because I began to look like a stroke victim as the right side of my face began to sag. My right eyelid would not close. My eye no longer produced tears. I had to carry eye drops with me at all times. I had to close the eye with my finger to keep it lubricated. I stopped Botox over 2 years ago. Forunately the side effects gradually faded after about a year. MVD Comments: As of 10/22/05 - I am very happy to announce that I am now "SPASM FREE"! I felt a couple of tiny flutters in my eyelid while I was in ICU on Wednesday, but since then, my face has been calm and serene, moving only when I want it to.(MVD #1 on 07/07/05 also with Dr. Asher)
Tammy Millikan Beaver, OK (USA)	Right	1998	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Botox gave some relief but caused other effects in my face that were as bad as the spasms.
Betty Mitchell Garland , TX (USA)	Right	1970	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: I was very happy with the results of the first treatment. The injection was around the eye only. I experience slight drooping of the eyelid, but the spasms did not come back for six months. With the second treatment I was injected around the right eye and the cheek as well. The side effects was unpleasant. The eye drooped for at least three weeks, and my smile was lopsided. Both eyes became very dry and red and this lasted at least a week. I will not get Botox again.
Terry Mizrahi New York NY (USA)	Left	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/11/09	Dr. Raj Shrivastava New York City, NY (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox for 6 years. Worked reasonably well but made eye asymmetical. Pulling/spasm got worse over time. MVD Comments: Update as of 02/17/09 - So far so good thank God. It's 6 days; headache continuing; hard to sleep; little nausea now. Energy coming back but understandably somewhat tired. Doctors sees it in a good light (so far). Post MVD CAT SCAN was good.
Marlene Montgomery Gilbert, AZ (USA)	Left	1985	Yes	No	Yes	2	05/15/08	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA) Seattle, WA	Yes
	Botox Comments: tried botox for about 2 1/2 years. got the shots every three months or so; sometimes I felt like they deadened the spasms but they also often deadened the whole side of my face, causing a lopsided smile and just a strangeness, an asymmetry that was almost as bad as the ticking...except the odd look was constant while the botox was working. One day I woke up with a wrinkle (on the left side only) from the side of my nose down to my chin; it's getting deeper all the time. Now, I don't know if it's just that creep, father time, but I blame the botox for my wrinkle. I stopped with the botox injections when I made the decision to have surgery, and haven't and won't resume botox treatment. MVD Comments - MVD #2 Update as of 05/22/08 - No words can express the respect and gratitude I have for Drs Jannetta and Sekula. Briefly, the left side of my face and head are sore so is my neck and I have fullness in my left ear. The volume in my left ear is about half of my right, and I hear my voice echo when I talk. I think I’ll recover the hearing over time, and know the soreness will go away. Dr. Sekula said that once inside the problem was obvious, a vein bundled with and on the bottom side of the 7th nerve. He took a micro-hook, tugged on the vein, it broke, and my spasms stopped. The vein was too small to cauterize so it was pinched off. The surgery was an ordeal, but I’m recovering and couldn’t be happier. Just one note of interest, over the years I developed lots of facial weakness and a deep line from my nose to the corner of my mouth then down into my chin on my hfs side. I didn’t expect any change (except worsening with age), but that deep line is almost gone now; the facial weakness is improving – it’s amazing. (MVD #1 with Dr. Kris A. Smith on 08/09/99). For details, click here to see my "MVD #2 Diary.
Lois Moore Inactive Memb. Arley, AL (USA)	Right	1994	Yes	No	Yes	1	03/14/05	Dr. Winfield Fisher, III Birmingham AL (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Frozen face, especially mouth. Big sag at mouth. The spasms didn't cause that, the Botox did. People asked if I'd had a stroke (so did a doctor). Unable to smile. Couldn't eat a sandwich. Had trouble getting right side of mouth open enouth to use a fork. Never, never will I use it again. MVD Comments:
Marty Moore Las Vegas, NV (USA)	Right	1996	Yes	No	Yes	1	03/01/07	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox subdued spasms but subsequent droop and loss of facial control is unacceptable. MVD Comments: Update as of 07/04/08 - I lost most of my hearing in my right ear and I still have some weird sensitivity around my incision site, but I would do it all again in a heartbeat to get rid of the spasms. My calm face, self esteem, basically having my life back and most importantly, having my smile back, are much more important to me than being able to hear 100%.
Peggy Moore Inactive Memb. Windsor, CA (USA)	Left	1988	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/01/99	Dr. Stephen Nutik Redwood City, CA	Yes
	Botox Comments: Had pretty good effect with first 1 1/2 years of shots from an experienced neurologist, but the effectiveness started to wane. Then had to switch to a different neurologist who was new with Botox and gave me too much. That's when I decided to do the MVD. Post MVD Conditions - None
Rosemary Moore Bacliff, TX (USA)	Left	2001	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/15/08	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Update as of 06/12/08 – My spasms are gone, thank God! I've lost my hearing in my left ear and with it my sense of balance and my eyes are crossed, supposedly all problems will resolve with time except the hearing which is gone forever. I feel good but the balance and vision thing is a nuisance. I'm at least 50% up to par with strength and stamina and to date I haven't lost my sense of humor so I'm doing pretty darn good. Regardless of my current problems I would still have had the surgery. For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary.
Sonia Moore Lubbock, TX (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/27/07