The Hemifacial Spasm Association (HFSA) is an international online support community of individuals who have or are presently suffering from Hemifacial Spasm (HFS)
and are eager to provide information, understanding and support to other
individuals and their families when coping with Hemifacial Spasm.
Congratulations! You have found a network of understanding people who are
(or were) where you are and are eager to share their personal experiences with you. We understand the feelings of embarrassment, frustration, depression, anger and all the other emotions frequently experienced while trying to deal with HFS. We understand because, just like you, we've been there. We also understand that, although normally not physically painful, HFS may ultimately destroy your self-confidence, self-respect and play havoc with your emotional well being. Your once vibrant smile has turned to a frown. You may find yourself becoming reclusive, antisocial and extremely depressed. You may have felt the need to attempt to hide your spasms -- wearing sunglasses where there is no sun, covering the side of your face with your hand, not wanting to have your picture taken, turning away from strangers and acquaintances, and on and on. You have become a master of disguise in your attempts to hide facial contortions.
While others close to you may try to "understand," you know that they really cannot relate to your life as it has become -- living with the HFS demon. After all, it is only a little twitch in your eye! As we've said, we understand, and we care. We have all experienced the very same emotions. We know how depressed you may become while HFS seems to control your every move, every action and every thought. It has taken over your life. You live with it always -- morning, noon and night.
Rest assured that from this day forward, we will be there for you, just a few keystrokes away, whenever you need us. We will attempt to answer your questions in an understanding, caring and honest manner. Should you ask, we will share what we have learned during our own battle with HFS. We'll share what our personal research has taught us, what worked and what didn't. Of course, what works for one, might not work for all. Therefore, we will not attempt to convince you that one course of treatment, medical professional or medical facility is best. We will, also, not attempt to diagnosis your symptoms or offer medical advice for we are not medical professionals. We will only explain our experiences. Any decisions regarding medications, injections, alternative treatments, surgery, etc., is extremely personal and must be based on a thorough understanding of HFS as well as the potential advantages and disadvantages of each treatment option. It is recommended that you discuss all possible treatment options with your own medical team. We don't offer professional counseling -- what we do offer is lots of understanding and support from people who share similar experiences and emotions -- people just like you.
To join our Association costs you nothing. There are no membership fees or dues. Membership entitles you to send and receive daily group e-mail and explore and learn from the myriad of information available on our website. It also paves the way for establishing close, personal bonds with other members that could last a lifetime. So take a deep sigh of relief and begin your journey with us.
Once again, welcome to our group.
NOTE: Information contained on our entire website, including member information, is available for viewing by anyone with Internet access.