The proper course of treatment for any individual may vary from what is appropriate for other individuals, 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.

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Name Location	HFS Side	HFS Start	Botox® Used	Botox® Still Used	MVD	MVD #	MVD Date	MVD Doctor	Spasm Free
	Comments or Post MVD Conditions
Rakefet Abou Kiryat Bialik (Israel)	Left	2007	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox once, June 2009, it's becomming worse...helped alot, but makes my face a-simetry.
Lyn Abraham Former 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.
John Adams Villa Park, IL (USA)	Left	2003	No		No
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.
Mohamad Ahmad Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)	Left	2004	No		No
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).
Joey Aldrich Former Memb. McCalla, AL (USA)	Right	2003	No		Yes	1	10/19/06	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: I'm "SPASM FREE"! The first 24 hours was not fun, nausea and headache, but it was all but gone on the second day along with my twitch!! For those of you contemplating MVD...I have NO regrets! Best decision I have ever made. For those of you scheduled...The Springhill Suites NorthShore is THE PLACE to stay. Wonderful rooms, great places to walk before and after surgery. Great restaurants with great music.
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.
Joseph Aleksandrowicz Former Memb. Tel-aviv (Israel)	Left				Yes	1	06/21/06	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: (MVD #1 01/09/06 Ichilov Hospital in, Tel Aviv (Israel)).
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.
Norma Aliah Troy, MI (USA)	Left	1997	No		Yes	1	08/07/07	Dr. Kenneth F. Casey Detroit, MI (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Update as of 08/23/07 - I woke up after surgery “SPASM FREE” and remained spasm free for the next two days. On day 3 post-op the spasms came back for two days. On day 5 post-op I knew something was different right away, my face started to flutter and just as soon as it had, it was like a switch turned it right off. For the next few days I would just feel a slight pull trying to happen, but only at night time. I have some facial weakness right now with yesterday being the first day that I could actually feel the weakness, compared to just seeing it. I would say that the headaches and strong ear pain have subsided almost completely, I'm now two days medication free. I have numbness on the top of my left ear but around the ear is still painful to the touch. Minor drainage from the incision, my post op appointment is on 08/31/07. I don't know whether my facial weakness will be going uphill or downhill from here, only time will tell. Dr. Casey was wonderful and will respond the same day to our e-mail's. I can't tell you how helpful the member's have been to me prior to my surgery. They answered all my e-mail's and questions as honestly as they could.
Angelique Alkarra Roseville, MI (USA)	Right	2002	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments:
Monika Almon Savannah, GA (USA)	Left	1998	No		No
Rob Alness Delavan, WI (USA)	Left	2001	No		Yes	1	03/12/03	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Comments: I would highly recommend Dr. Kassam for anyone considering surgery.
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 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:
Greg Ansley Alpharetta, GA (USA)	Left	2003	No		No
Steve Anderson Madison, WI (USA)	Left	1995	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/11/06	Mr. Wadley Whitechapel, London (United Kingdom)	No
	Botox Comments: Botox made my face look lopsided, especially when smiling. MVD Comments: No change in symptons.
Sheila Anwar Sabah (Malaysia)	Right	2005	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/09/09	Dr. Lee Foo Chiang Petaling Jaya (Malaysia)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Lost smile and numbness on HFS side. MVD Comments: Update as of 09/16/09 - 7th day post op.,glad I did it. You won't know if you don't try. Of course research, guts, physical, mental, financial preperation are vital.
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)
Dee Applegate Orem, UT (USA)	Right	2000	No		No
Bruce Archibald Duncan Falls, OH (USA)	Right	2006	No		Yes	1	08/14/08	Drs. Jannetta and Sekula Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Praise the Lord the facial SPASMS ARE GONE. God bless Drs. Jannetta and Sekula for their skill. Click here to see my "MVD Diary.
Paula Argyros Dunedin, FL (USA)	Left	1979	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Some relief, weakness on that side of face.
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
Janine Atkinson Mississauga, Ontario (Canada)	Right	2006	No		No
Carole Atsma Abbotsford, British Columbia (Canada)	Left	2002	No		No
	Click here to see my "Personal HFS History".
Charlie Auge Waynesburg , PA (USA)	Right	2006	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Extreme pain in neck after injections in neck.
Bill Auger Milford, CT (USA)	Left	2004	No		No
Debbie Augey Estevan, Saskatchewan (Canada)	Left	2003	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.
JoAnn Bahr Hartland, WI (USA)	Left	1999	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/01/09	Dr. Michael J. Link Rochester, MN (USA).	Yes
	Botox Comments: Was on Botox treatment on and off for seven years. I had some relief when the symptoms were concentrated in my eye and cheek area. When spasms moved to cheek, lip and lower chin area, Botox injections were hit or miss as to effectiveness. Largere doses were needed and left the left side of my face with a "frozen" look that I did not like and looked very strange in pictures. I have been off Botox for over one year. MVD Comments: Update as of 01/04/10 - As of today I am declaring myself spasm free. I have no complications from surgery. My hearing is intact, no vertigo, no nausea and no facial paralysis. I do have that full feeling in my left ear, but Dr. Link is confident that will go away in time. It clears up a little when I blow my nose or cough, so I think that it will clear up soon. I’ve had HFS for ten years, a long time to have the facial nerve compressed.
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)
	Botox Comments: First time on 02/23/05
Rosemarie Balano Zamboanga Sibugay (Philippines)	Left	2007	No		No
Elsie Balfour Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada)	Right	1996	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Mixed results.
Barb Ballard Portland, OR (USA)	Right	2009	No		No
Robert Banathy Canton, GA (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Botox has been effective in controlling symtoms, with 3 month injection intervals.
Marion Bangert N. Cape May, NJ (USA)	Left	2003	No		No
Lucy Barone Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Left	2009	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/27/09	Dr. Raymond Sekula, Jr. Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I received a total of 3 Botox treatments. The first treatment seemed to be the most effective and lasted approximately 8 months. My final Botox treatment in November 2008 lasted approximately 5 weeks. That final treatment seemed to cause the left side of my mouth to weaken and droop, making it look as though I had had a stroke. My decision to stop Botox treatments and seek MVD surgery was one of the best decisions I have ever made. MVD Comments: Update as of 09/08/09 - My MVD surgery was successful ... I was spasm free immediately following surgery and continue to be spasm free ... and my smile has been restored to a full smile once again. Thank you, Dr. Sekula!!
Steve Barone Scottsdale, AZ (USA)	Left	1996	Yes	No	Yes	2	08/15/02	Dr. Kris Smith Phoenix, AZ (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Became "SPASM FREE" 18 months following MVD #2.
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.
Ira Barry Chicago, IL (USA)	Right
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	Yes	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)
Bob Basque Houston, TX (USA)	Right	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/17/04	Dr. Robert Grossman Houston,TX (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Botox(R) 40 units every 90 days in several places on the face: reduces the intensity of the spasm to 20% initially for 3-5 weeks then the positive effects diminish to no affect at all by 70 days post injections. Have tried Myloblok only once. Injections were more painful and the positive effects did not last more than 50-60 days vs 70 days with Botox. Had muscle atrophy in the face from Botox but no other side affects at all. I responded to Botox well but am tired of driving one hour each way to have it done and see no end to this merry-go- round. MVD Comments:
Joanne Batterberry Spicer, MN (USA)	Right	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/06/09	Dr. Michael J. Link Rochester, MN (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Drooping of right eye lid and right side of face. It was very traumatic for me. It lasted for a good two months. MVD Comments: Update as of 11/26/09 - I have experienced improvement in the spasms and am hopeful they will stop. Dr. Link said it sometimes takes a while to completely stop the spasms.
Lucille Beaudin Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)	Left	1998	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/13/02	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg, Manitoba (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.
Misha Beck St. Louis, MO (USA)	Right	2008	No		No
LuAnne Becker Jacksonville, FL (USA)	Right	2002	No		No
Sherrie Becker Allentown, PA (USA)	Left	2002	No		Yes	1	08/21/06	Dr. Eric Zager Philadelphia, PA (USA).	Yes
	MVD Comments: I awoke from my surgery and continue to be SPASM-FREE!!! For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary.
Hazel Bell West Midlands, England (United Kingdom)	Right	2003	No		No
	MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
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".
June Bencivenga Milford, CT (USA)	Right	2004	No		No
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 (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I tried Botox for 5 years, untill I developed immunization. MVD Comments: As of 12/14/03, I am spasm free...although lately there seems like a little twitch that wants to come back...I am hoping it doesn't gain strength....my Left ear rings a little bit also, a little dizziness but nothing I cannot live with. I would have the surgery again in a heartbeat!!!
Chris Bennett Milford, CT (USA)	Right	2007	No		No
Don Bennett Gloversville, NY (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/25/09	Dr. Thomas Lovely Albany, NY (USA)	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: Update as of 07/25/09 - I had my MVD three weeks ago and still have spasms. They seemed to ease up for week after surgery but I think that they are just as bad now as they were before the surgery. The doctor told me it could take up to six months to become spasm free. I am very discouraged at this point. I thought that I would wake up and be spasm free.
Maddy Benson Stockbridge, VT (USA)	Right	2002	No		Yes	1	10/04/06	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Update as of 10/04/07 – About 3 weeks post-op I announced that I was spasm free. Shortly after the announcement, I had the scary “facial droop”. It resolved very quickly and was back to normal by 3 weeks. When the droop resolved, the spasms came back. It has been a very tough year, the constant monitoring of the twitches and spasms and the many, many ups and downs. When the spasms returned slowly and different, I thought it would all be okay, but it seems I am going the 'wrong' way here! Hope is a wonderful thing, but there comes a time when it is better to face facts, accept the situation and move on. At 11 months, I stopped believing this was ever going to improve without another surgery. When it gets to be too much, we will talk again about another surgery. Click here to see my "MVD Diary.
Barbara Benton Columbia, MD (USA)	Left	2002	No		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.
Carlos Bernal San Antonio, TX (USA)	Left	2001	No		No
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)	Yes
	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 11/03/09 - I can happily say that I continue to be spasm free. What a wonderful treat it is to be able to smile again. I have gotten so that I actually like it. I can not thank Jack, Wilma and this group for all of the information and support they have given me. For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Howard Berris Novi, MI (USA)	Left	2004	No		No
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.
Lynda Beutnagel Mesquite, TX (USA)	Left	1982	No		Yes	1	10/15/99	Dr. Sam Finn Dallas, TX (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Loss of hearing on HFS side - I am very pleased with the results of my surgery
Brenda Bidwell Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada)	Left	1996	No		Yes	1	11/05/02	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)	Yes
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.
Ginny Bigelow Downers Grove, IL (USA)	Right	1999	No		Yes	1	04/03/06	Dr. Gail Rosseau Chicago, IL (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
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.
Adam Birch Reading (United Kingdom)	Right	2003	No		No
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".
Ruth Birznieks Gosford (Australia)	Right	2000	No		Yes	1	02/08/07	Prof. Michael Besser Sydney (Australia)	No
	MVD Comments:
Patricia Bishop Edenton, NC (USA)	Left	1999	No		No
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.
Judy Bledsoe Aberdeen, SD (USA)	Right	2007	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/30/09	Dr. Michael Link Rochester, MN (USA)
	Botox Comments: It has worked for me, but due to this being considered progressive by Dr. Link at the Mayo Clinic, I am leaning toward the surgery. MVD Comments:
David Bockman Calgary , Alberta (Canada)	Right	2002	No		No
Brian Bockoven Former Memb. 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	No	Yes	1	06/25/09	Prof. Andrew Kaye Melbourne, Victoria (Australia)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Eases the spasm, but get dry eye where eye does not close properly and still some spasms. MVD Comments: Update as of 07/03/09 – The bad news is that the surgeon found that I had an aneurysm forming that had to be wrapped and quite a lot of movement was required. The result is that I have had no hearing in my right (HFS) ear since my MVD. They are not sure whether this will come back or not because it could be air around the ear. The main trouble has been that I have had double vision and they are still not sure if I had a stroke or not as my blood pressure went through the roof. The good news is that I have been spasm free since the operation
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.
Dan Boynton Lincoln, MA (USA)	Left	1998	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences".
Bryan Bradford Former 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.
Michelle Braga Santa Rosa, CA (USA)	Right	2009	No		No
Susan Brendemihl McKinney, TX (USA)	Right	1999	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Botox - very effective - but caused drooping of mouth and eye.
Deane Bristow Newport, OR (USA)	Left	2007	No		No
Dorothy Britton Stone Mountain, GA (USA)	Left	2004	No		No
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".
Janie Brooksher Littleton, CO (USA)	Left	1999	No		No
Debbie Brosnan Edinburgh (United Kingdom)	Right	2002	No		No
Sharon Brott Cincinnati, OH (USA)	Right	1989	Yes	Yes	No
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.
Pat Brown Amarillo, TX (USA)	Right	2000	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/09/09	Drs. Peter J. Jannetta & Ray Sekula Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Botox, effective for only a few weeks, the longest was about 6 weeks before wearing off. Cost prohibitive. Had a couple of bad experiences because dosage was too high. Even lower dosages affected my vision. MVD Comments: Update as of 08/28/09 – It has only been six weeks, the only complications I had were nausea after surgery, and phlebitis in the arm used for IV. I still experience a "tug" at the incision site, and an occasional headache. I am so grateful for your website. God blessed me greatly and I feel so much better about myself and the way I look and have a much more positive outlook on life.
Skip Brown Former Memb. St. Cloud, FL (USA)	Right	2004	No	No	Yes	1	10/01/08	Drs. Peter J. Jannetta & Raymond Sekula, Jr. Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments:
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).
Sara Bryant Fort Campbell, KY (USA)	Right	2009	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: first treatment looked ok but right eye drooped and symetery not right... just had 2nd treatment.. bruising and black eye with swelling ( was told had an allergic reaction) and severely distored between right and left side. Have very dry eye and droppy lid, mouth pulling downwards with spams still.
Kathleen Buchanan Texarkana, TX (USA)	Right	2001	No		No
Jim Bucholz Salem, OR (USA)	Left	2002	No		No
Julie Burdett Aylesbury (United Kingdom)	Left	2007	No		No
Pennie Burdic Florence, OR (USA)	Left	1995	No		No
	Comments - MVD Surgery: Not Yet..Maybe Someday but Insurance Problems.
Nicola Burgon Newcastle upon Tyne (United Kingdom)	Left	2009	Yes	Yes>	No
	Botox Comments: So far I have received one dose of Botox injections and am currently awaiting my next injection.
Melinda Burgos Gilford, NH (USA)	Left	1998	No		No
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".
Mary Bruni Burnaby, British Columbia (Canada)	Left	2004	No		Yes	1	01/19/07	Dr. Chris Honey Vancouver, British Columbia, (Canada)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Update as of 01/29/09 - In May 2008 I became totally spasm free. This would have been 1½ years after my MVD surgery. My recommendation and opinion to all that are still suffering this horrific HFS is that MVD is the only answer and solution to this condition. If needed be, I would have done another MVD. I am totally enjoying having a normal face again and there are also times that I even forget that I ever had HFS.
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.
Del Callman Former Memb. Argyle, TX (USA)	Right	1999	No		Yes	1	09/08/03	Dr. Thomas Kopitnik Dallas, TX (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments:
David Calvi Santa Rosa, CA (USA)	Left	1986	No		Yes	1	11/09/04	Dr. Brian Andrews San Francisco, CA (USA) Dallas, TX (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Slight hearing loss & tinnitus on HFS side. I consider the complications to be very minor compared to suffering spasms for 18 years.
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: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary.
Irene Carr Minneapolis, MN (USA)	Right	2004	No		No
Brian Carter Essex, England (United Kingdom)	Left	1982	Yes	Yes	Yes	1	07/16/09	Mr. Jonathan Pollock Essex, England (United Kingdom)	No
	Botox Comments: I have begun to look like a stroke victim! MVD Comments: Update as of 09/17/09 - Now 8 weeks post surgery, although I’m not spasm free yet, significant improvements are apparent. Not surprised since I have had HFS for 25 + years. I am optimistic that things will continue to improve.
Carol Casey St Louis, MO (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	No	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 (USA)	Yes
	Post MVD Conditions - Minor hearing loss of very high pitched sounds as of 04/26/01.
Pie Castillo Quezon City (Philippines)	Right	1997	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments - Effective but for a moment only.
Gloria Castro Castro Valley, CA (USA)	Right		No		No
Nancy Casto Charleston, WV (USA)	Left	1999	No		Yes	1	04/27/05	Dr. Kassam UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments:
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.
John Cerovac Joliet, IL (USA)	Left	2006	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: I'm getting my injections at 3 month intervals through Rush's Movement Disorder Clinic (Dr. Katie Kompoliti). Treatments are very effective, although it is strange to "feel the twitch" yet have no visible spasm. While there is some asymmetry as far as my smile goes, Dr. K is tweaking each treatment to find the sweet spot. I'd rather have that than some of the "use the whole syringe" approaches I've seen mentioned here.
Frank Cervantes Jamul, CA (USA)	Left	2002	No		No
Cindy Champion Worcester, MA (USA)	Left	2004	No		No
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.
Sandra Chapman Worcester (United Kingdom)	Right	2004	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments:
Sue Chapman Berkshire, England (United Kingdom)	Right	2007	No		No
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:
Shannon Cheney Blue Springs, MO (USA)	Left	2007	No		No
Tammy Cheng Walnut, CA (USA)	Right	2002	No		Yes	1	11/12/08	Dr. John Alksne La Jolla, CA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments:
Cindy Champion Worcester, MA (USA)	Left	2004	No		No
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.
Jeena Cho Inactive Memb. Tampa, FL (USA)	Left	2001	No		Yes	1	04/21/05	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments:
Izzie Chow Markham, Ontario (Canada)	Left	2004	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: tried botox twice. the first time was effective. after the second treatment, my left eye would not close for 2 months, had to use gel and eye patch. will not use botox again
Toni Christiansen Council Bluffs, IA (USA)	Right		No		No
Angela Church Barboursville, WV (USA)	Left	2007	No		No
Miki Cicali St. Nazainz, WI (USA)	Right	2007	No		No
Frank Cipollina Rosedale, NY (USA)	Right	1989	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/23/99	Dr. Chandranath Sen New York, NY (USA)	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".
Justina Clemons Davidson, NC (USA)	Left	2003	No		No
Lori Cleveland Albany, GA (USA)	Right	2003	No		No
Sue Cohen Spring Valley, NY (USA)	Left	2005	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/29/09	Dr. Chandranath Sen New York, NY (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Temporary partial improvement. Weakening of left side; expressionless; couldn't close eyelid for several weeks. MVD Comments - Update as of 11/04/09 - I have occasional days of frequent middle ear “fluttering, and just this week I've had two small spasms. I'm so grateful for this new life. For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Louisa Cole Former Memb. San Antonio, TX (USA)	Left	1995	Yes	No	Yes	1	12/18/01	Dr. Felix Durity Vancouver, B.C., (Canada)	Yes
	Botox Comments: The Botox did help to decrease the spasms but it took a week or so to work following the injection. It also caused my face to appear asymmetrical due to the weakness induced by the Botox, ie. I had a droopy eye and looked half asleep after my first injection and after the second one I had a droopy mouth. I had to return for injections about every 4 months. They were somewhat painful and uncomfortable. MVD Comments: I wish I had known about this support group during the time I was suffering with the condition. I felt completely alone and misunderstood. It even took my doctors years to figure out what was really the problem. In the last several days I have had the odd microscopic twitch on the left of my face (a year almost following my surgery) and I am paranoid that it may be the start of a recurrence, although from the research I have done recurrence following MVD is extremely rare.
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.
Sherrie Colyer Kalispell, MT (USA)	Right		No		No
Myra Comrie Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (Canada)	Right	2008	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: made no difference
Deborah Congdon Auburn, MA (USA)	Left	2005	No		No
William Conklin Former 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 Former 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
Kay Cooney Roseville, MI (USA)	Right	2004	No		Yes	1	02/09/09	Dr. Kenneth F. Casey Detroit, MI (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Update as of 04/09/09 – Two months after my MVD with Dr. Casey I can say I am “Spasm Free”! My spasms gradually got weaker over the weeks and now have been gone for a week or so. I do not have any hearing loss (my hearing was monitored during surgery), or other complications. I did have a "plugged up" feeling in my ears after surgery and I went to a Ear Nose and Throat Dr who took a good sized plug of dried blood from each ear canal. That helped a lot and the rest of the "full" feeling has gradually subsided. It is now only 8 months since I looked up "Facial Twitching" on the Internet and found the HFSA website and discovered that "HFS" was what I had. None of the Doctors I had complained to seemed to think anything of it. If it weren't for the Internet and your website I would probably still be twitching. I am very grateful to all of you for all I have learned! Thank you all!
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)
Donna Corkins Miles City, MT (USA)	Left	1991	No		Yes	1	11/01/01	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	Post MVD Conditions - Awoke from surgery with the spasms still there and, as of 12/09/03, they are worse than before surgery.
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.
Beverly Cox San Antonio, TX (USA)	Left	1990	Yes	No	Yes	1	06/19/97	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". Post MVD Conditions - None
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.
Carolyn Cox Plymouth, (United Kingdom)	Right	1975	No		No
Laura Cramer Montgomery, TX (USA)	Right	1997	No		Yes	1	07/12/06	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: What a joy it is to be able to read or sit at a computer without my nemesis showing its ugly little head! I think we often live with this thing until we actually forget what life was like before. But rather than it being hard to get used to, it's felt so natural and, most of all, so peaceful and calm.
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".
Angela Cret Buford, GA (USA)	Left	2003	No		No
Don Crohn Former Memb. Manchester, MO (USA)	Right	1997	Yes	No	Yes	1	03/12/03	Dr. Amin Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: 12 treatment sessions over 5 years. Botox worked some but keratitis in cornea, from lid not shutting, caused a lot of problems and spasm still continued. Discontinued Botox in January 2002. MVD Comments: My surgery was 45 minutes of work after opening and the spasm completely gone upon coming out of anesthesia. I did develop a slight CSF leak through the nose a day after surgery and they inserted a lumbar drain for a day or two which seems to have done the job. I had a wound infection that surfaced 5 days after returning from Pittsburgh which necessitated an emergency trip back to UPMC. Dr. Kassam reopened, took cultures and closed. As of 5-2003 Just finishing antibiotic for the infection. Spasm still is gone which is the most important thing.
Sheffield Crosby Former Memb. Loomis, CA (USA)	Left	2006	No		Yes	1	07/31/08	Dr. J. Paul Muizelaar Sacramento, CA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Update as of 12/02/08 - The surgery seemed to be a success at first however on day 11 of recovery I noticed a change occurring and by day 13 I had full-blown Bells Palsy. I stayed positive and optimistic that it would fade away in 6 to 8 weeks and that the spasms would still be gone. I’m pleased to report that the Palsy has gone away and I remain “spasm free”.
Laura Crossley Manchester (United Kingdom)	Left	2004	No		No
Deb Cuminotti Avon, IN (USA)	Left	1984	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/06/09	Dr. Aaron A. Cohen-Gadol Indianapolis, IN (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I've been getting botox in A injections for 15 years. Botox is a band-aid, and then I'm not sure which is worse, since I then am commonly asked if I have Bell's Palsy.My left eye won't close for about three weeks after my injections, which is very painful, and I continually bite my lip and jaw. I've tried doing without the shots, but the migraines increase, and I can't see for all of the twitching. I started having a reaction to the botox at my last doctor, breaking out in hives, and getting a rash. Every time I called, he said it wasn't possible. My next doctor told me it was very possible. MVD Comments: Update as of 08/08/09 - Released from the hospital on 08/08, I’m home, doing well, with very little pain and spasm free.
Cindy Curran Aberdeen, WA (USA)	Left	2003	No		No
Joyce Curran Grand Island, FL (USA)	Right	1984	No	No	Yes	2	09/25/03	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments - From MVD #1 some hearing loss/affected balance. (MVD #1 was also with Dr. Jannetta on 01/11/01 & was Spasm Free for 29 months until 06/03 when all symptoms reappeared).
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.
CJ Czolba Front Royal, VA (USA)	Right	1992	No		Yes	1	08/29/08	Dr. Raymond Sekula, Jr. Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Update as of 11/12/08 - Had the following complications, Bell's palsy, numbness in three toes, reduced strength in left arm due to pic line that became infected. Even in spite of the complications, I would do it all over again. I feel that I finally have my life back after 15 years. I am not stared at like some freak show.
Kathrine D'Costa Petersham (Australia)	Right	2006	No		No
Lori Daggett Phoenix, AZ (USA)	Left	2004	No		No
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 Former 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 Former 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.
Alexis Davis Richmond, British Columbia (Canada)	Both	2009	No		No
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.
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	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: Scheduled for MVD #2 Consultation on 12/21/09 with Dr. Kenneth F. Casey, Oakwood Southshore Medical Center, Trenton, MI (USA) (MVD #1 with Dr. Gail Rosseau on 04/30/07). 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.
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!
Steve Dean Glenmore Park (Australia)	Left	20094	No		No
Delann DeBenedetti Tucson. AZ (USA)	Right	2003	Yes	No	Yes	1	01/21/10	Dr. Amin Kassam Santa Monica, CA (USA)
	Botox Comments: Botox worked when only my eye was involved, not I've not had good results since the spread of the spasms. I have not had Botox since May as I feel it's time to have the MVD surgery. MVD Comments:
Sean DeCiancio Greenville, PA (USA)	Left	2008	No		No
Giacomo del Felice Monza (Italy)	Left	1999	No		Yes	1	07/17/02	Dr. Calbucci Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy	Yes
	Post MVD Comments: Frankly speaking, it’s really fantastic to have my face calm: I forgot what that meant. In addition to that, I also had a couple of other positive effects from my MVD: my blood pressure is now normal (I suffered from a mild form of blood hypertension) and my eyesight also has improved.
Joseph Delich Fort Collins, CO (USA)	Left	2004	No		No
Ed Demo Former Memb. Vernon, NY (USA)	Right	1985	Yes	No	Yes	1	01/01/02	Dr. Chandranath Sen New York, NY (USA)	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
Zenaida Depadua Chatsworth, CA (USA)	Left	2001	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Botox injection every 3 months since 4 years ago. For this long years I have been doing it I noticed that it is not doing me any good anymore. It is not really effective because my face expression, especially when smiling, is like a smirk. My face looks awful. My left eyelid has drooped a lot.
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)
	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:
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.
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.
Carolyn Dingeldey Westland, MI (USA)	Left	2001	No		No
George Dixon Friendswood, TX (USA)	Left	1994	No		No
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 Former Memb. Cranberry, PA (USA)	Right	1999	Yes	No	Yes	2	10/16/02	Drs. Kassam & Horowitz Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	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".
Diana Dodge Torrance, CA (USA)	Right	1980	Yes	No	Yes	1	05/15/97	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Once, which made my face stiff but did not control the spasm. Very counterproductive treatments. MVD Comments: It was immediately effective and I was thrilled with the results. Update: 10/10/06 - I am starting to experience the same classic symptoms on my left eyelids, gradually increasing in intensity since Jan 2005.
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.
Charlene Donna Indianapolis, IN (USA)	Right	2002	No		Yes	1	03/26/09	Dr. Aaron A. Cohen-Gadol Indianapolis, IN (USA) Longview, TX (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Update as of 05/29/09 - I was not spasm free at first but I am as of today.
Richard Donnelly Arlington, VA (USA)	Right	1992	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/04/01	Drs. Kassam & Horowitz Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	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: Botox 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 (USA)	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 continued spasms are the result of Blepharospasm.
Porcupine Dream VA (USA)	Left	1996	No		No
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!
Miriam Drysdale Plockton, Scotland (United Kingdom)	Left	2001	No		Yes	1	12/11/07	Prof. Hugh Coakham Bristol, England (United Kingdom)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Update as of 12/24/07 - MVD was successful, I have no spasms and I'm feeling fine. However, I have temporary facial palsy which I'm sure will go away very soon.
Feza Duchaine Huntington Beach, CA (USA)	Left	2007	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: tried botox recently, left eye completely closed, still not totally normal.
Hélène Ducharme Ottawa, Ontario (Canada)	Left	1986	Yes	No	Yes	3	03/27/02	Dr. Kassam Pittsburgh, PA	Yes
	MVD Comments: (2nd MVD 03/14/01 also with Dr. Kassam; 1st MVD 09/30/99, Dr. Gentili, Toronto (Canada)).
Kay Duffy West Jefferson, OH (USA)	Left	1990	No		No
Steve Duffy Lumberton, NC (USA)	Right	1992	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences".
Gwendolyn Duncan Palm Coast, FL (USA)	Right	2006	No		No
Julie Duncan Brockton, MA (USA)	Right	2004	No		No
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.
Debbie Durham Marshall, TX (USA)	Right	2006	No		Yes	1	11/06/08	Dr. Thomas Chow Longview, TX (USA)	No
	MVD Comments: Update as of 03/08/09 - Approxiamately 1 month after MVD, the spasms started to return. At first, slowly, until now, March 2009, they are almost constant. Still only on the right side. Dr. Chow thinks they may calm down, and I will see him in May 2009. Another MVD could be necessary.
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 Comments: 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	No	Yes	1	07/01/09	Dr. Michael Horowitz Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Very effective for around 2 months - eye gets dry, irritated for a week after injection. MVD Comments: Update as of 10/01/09 - I made it through the operation with flying colors and woke up and continue to be spasm free!! However, I have no measureable hearing in the MVD ear. Unfortunate, but I knew the risks going in. It is still worth it to be spasm free!
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 (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".
Paula Ehrenberg Taylor, MI (USA)	Left		No		No
Margy Ehrenfried Norfolk, NE (USA)	Right	2001	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/10/05	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments:
Matthew Eischen Plainfield, IL (USA)	Right	1998	No		No
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.
Anne El Shazli Washington, DC (USA)	Left	1993	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: For details, click here to see my "Personal Botox Experiences".
Art Elmhirst London, Ontario (Canada)	Right	2000	No		Yes	1	01/19/04	Dr. Gary Ferguson London, Ontario (Canada)	Yes
	MVD Comments: The operation appears to be a success, no twitches since I awoke from surgery. Severe pain and nausea after effects for the first 4 or 5 days, and some difficulty swallowing, but they are now disappearing and I expect eventually they all will go.
Catherine Elsey Billings, MT (USA)	Left	2002	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Worked first time, second time it cause my left cheek and left of mouth to droop.
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: Updated as of 01/25/10 - Works well for me after a lengthy process for the Dr. to find the correct injection sites and the right dosage. I am very pleased with the results at this point in time and have no plans for an MVD unless my situation changes. My HFS has become continualy worse over the years but I am able to get releif through Botox injections approx. every five months or so.
Sandra Emond Knoxville, TN (USA) Plainfield, IL (USA)	Right	2003	No		No
Makerita Enesi Pago Pago, HI (USA)	Left	1993	No		No
Donna Eng Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada)	Left	1994	Yes	No	Yes	2	06/12/01	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg, Manitoba (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	No	Yes	1	09/09/09	Dr. Michael Horowitz Pittsburg, PA (USA)	Yes
	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. MVD Comments: Update as of 09/19/09 - Woke up from surgery spasm free!! Had slight headaches & nausea first few days. Got appetite back used very little Tylenol for pain. Then, eight days after surgery, started getting really killer headaches nausea and vomiting. I had been taking it easy and hadn't done anythng to cause this. Went to local hospital this morning at 2am had CT scan to check for leaks or bleeding. CT scan clear Doctor found nothing wrong.
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 (USA)	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".
Marisa Esquibel Murrieta, CA (USA)	Right	1992	No		No
Nancy Eutsler Allentown. PA (USA)	Left	2007	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: Twitching stopped but I was very unhappy with the side effects: left eye wouldn't close completely for several weeks and drooping left side of face, and these were with minimal doses. Twitching returned, tried new doctor for Botox. Had shots around eye and cheek, then my entire left side of mouth drooped for two months. Two attempts at Botox, not happy with either result but now the spasms have gotten worse.
Ronald Evans Bay City, MI (USA)	Left	1994	Yes	No	Yes	1	04/22/02	Dr. Byron G. Thompson Ann Arbor, MI (USA)	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	2	07/09/09	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Somewhat successful now that they have gotten the strength right. MVD Comments: Update as of 08/25/09 - On 07/09/09 I had my MVD #2 Dr. Jannetta and The surgery was a success and was a much easier recovery than the first MVD 10 years ago. After 20+ years the twitch is now gone and I am spasm free for the first time. I cannot begin to tell you what this group has meant to me. It is because of this group that I was able to take this journey to a life that will exist without spasms. (MVD #1 on 09/16/98 with Dr. Elizabeth Bullitt was not successful).
Sassa Ewing Stockholm (Sweden)	Left	2007	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments:
Christa Falgout Houma, LA (USA)	Left	2005	No		Yes	1	02/08/06	Dr. Rand Voorhies New Orleans, LA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: I found this place and researched alot, and came to realize Botox is not for me, as I like my face and cannot see paralyzing it with that poison. Learned alot that goes with the paralysis that I never thought about, such as drooling. Can not see not being able to smile the at my babies without the smile they know and love. MVD Comments:
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).
Jen Farrell Edison , NJ (USA)	Right	1970	No		No
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:
Pamela Feader Prince, Saskatchewan (Canada)	Right	1981	No		Yes	1	07/11/89	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Post MVD Conditions - They did accidently paralyze one of my vocal chords, but after what I'd been through, I didn't care.
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
Donna Ferguson Gardendale, AL (USA)	Left	2008	No		No
Gail Ferguson Revelstoke, British Columbia (Canada)	Left	2005	No		Yes	1	10/03/07	Dr. Gary Goplen Kelowna BC, (Canada)	Yes
	Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". MVD Comments: Update as of 10/09/07 - I am home and recovering after my MVD. Recovery is challenging however I am pleased to report that I have been "SPASM FREE" since waking up from surgery!! Click here to see my "MVD Diary.
Russ Fischels Independence, IA (USA)	Left	2007	No		No
William Fischer Denver, NC (USA)	Right		No		No
Shirley Ann Fisk Midlothian, VA (USA)	Left	1988	Yes	No	Yes	1	02/25/99	Drs. Jannetta & Kassam Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	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!!!
Jill Flamand Fort Frances, Ontario (Canada)	Left	2009	No		No
	MVD Comments: Had a MVD Consultation on 07/20/09 with Dr. Anthony Kaufmann,Health Sciences Centre Hosp., Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)
Bill Fleming Peachland, British Columbia (Canada)		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!
Elaine Fontes Lehigh Acres, FL (USA)	Right	2004	No		No
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.
Richard Forrester Alexandria, va (USA)	Left	2006	No		No
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 (USA)	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".
Vicky Frederick Nash Point, (United Kingdom)	Right	1967	No		No
Judy Frederickson St. Louis, MO (USA)	Left	1997	Yes	Yes	No
	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.
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.
Bernard Fry Former Memb. Wichita, KS (USA)	Left	1998	No		Yes	1	11/29/01	Drs. Kassam & Horowitz Pittsburgh, PA (USA)e	Yes
	Post MVD Conditions - Hearing loss in left ear, balance is improving, swallowing reflex is slowly coming back.
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.
Susan Fujita Roanoke, VA (USA)	Left	2004	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/13/09	Dr. W. Jeffrey Elias Charlottesville, VA (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: First time resulted in whole left side of my face drooping. Looked like I had a stroke. The next time I couldn't close my left eye. MVD Comments: Update as of 11/22/09 - Five weeks after my surgery I developed an infection at the wound site. On 09/05/09 I had another surgery to take out the titanium mesh and all foreign material. Currently am spasm free.
Maura Fulton Former 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.
Jay Gadhvi New York, NY (USA)	Left	2004	No		No
Liz Gaffney Former Memb. Fair Oaks, CA (USA)	Left		Yes	No	Yes	1	09/17/98	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: I would have the surgery again if needed. I was spasm free when I woke up. The surgery gave me a new life.
Madelyn Galgano Former Memb. Sayville, NY (USA)	Right	1997	No	No	Yes	1	06/15/04	Dr. Raphael Davis Stonybrook, Long Island, NY (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Update as of 06/26/07 - spasms stopped about 6 months post-op.
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: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Marco Gandolfo Sevenoaks (United Kingdom)	Right	2001	No
	MVD Comments - Awaiting date for MVD Consultation with Dr. Peter Bullock, Kings College Hospital, London, England (United Kingdom)
Sondra Garcia Inactive Memb. Erwin, TN (USA)	Right	1988	Yes	No	Yes	1	08/09/00	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	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)
Lisa Gardner Sydney (Australia)	Right	2004	Yes	No	Yes	1	11/02/09	Dr. Jeffrey Brennan Sydney (Australia)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Has been effective in the past but the last time it did not seem to be that effective and still experienced spasms. MVD Comments: Update as of 11/22/09 - Suffered with HFS for 5 years before my MVD. The surgery went well and I woke up spasm free and remain that way. The surgeon told me that there were three areas of compression along the facial nerve - a blood vessel was actually running along the nerve, there was also a vessel compressing the nerve at the top and finally a group of arteries at the bottom of the nerve. He detailed that all these areas were moved away from the nerve and seperated with Teflon. I have encountered a partial loss of hearing in my right ear, despite the fact that my hearing was monitored during the entire procedure. Where hearing is monitored it allows the surgeon to pause what they are doing to avoid any damage. Towards the end of the surgery a loss of hearing was noticed however at this stage the surgeon was closing up and nothing was happening around the 8th nerve so no action could be taken. The surgeon had mentioned that the hearing may possibly improve in time. My energy levels are starting to return now, my recovery was also complicated by the fact I developed a kidney infection so had fever and a lot of pain. But I have experienced very little pain due to the actual surgery and my incision is healing really well.
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.
Ellen Garinger Former 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.
Vip Garrido Taguig (Philippines)	Right	2003	No		No
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.
Chito Gayamat Pasig City (Philippines)	Left	2009	No		No
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".
Carol George Fayetteville, PA (USA)	Right	2005	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: no side effects; reduces eye twitch but not mouth
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 Former 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 (USA)	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.
Susan Gibson Far Rockaway, NY (USA)	Left	2000	No		No
Julie Gilbert Spokane, WA (USA)	Right	2006	No		No
	Click here to see my "Personal HFS History".
Maresa Gilroy Vernon, CT (USA)	Left	2004	No		No
Richard Gintz Palatine, IL (USA)	Right	1998	No		No
Joe Giovannelli Villa Park, IL (USA)	Right	2002	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: good for a while. Concern on log term effect. Stopped for the past year.
Trixie Gisbert Pasig City (Philippines)	Right	2007	No		No
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.
Gemma Gock Sydney (Australia)	Left	1995	Yes	No	Yes	1	07/14/04	Prof. Marcus Stoodley Randwick, Sydney (Australia)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Works well for eye muscles but not so well for cheek and mouth. Was good when spasms were mild. Side effects can be minimised by low doses and injections close to eyelid margin. MVD Comments - Had a high resolution MRI prior to surgery which identified the offending vessel, a loop of PICA. This was found to be squashing my facial nerve at surgery.
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)	No
	Botox Comments: Botox works for me, but also causes weakness in my face. MVD Comments: Update as of 07/24/09 - My doctor said my surgery was a difficult one. He spent a great deal of time to get the sponge out (the one from my first MVD which glued the artery and the facial nerve together now). He only did 90% clean up because my artery was bleeding. I lost my right side hearing after the surgery. My spasms are 80% less than before. My recovery was long and hard. I am ready to go back to work after 7 weeks recovery. (MVD #1 in 1995 with Dr. Zuo).
Weilong Gong Philadelphia, PA (USA)	Right	2000	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Botox injection in Noverber 2001. It released partially the symptoms for 6 months, but my face became a little bit lopsided.
Fred Goodhue Former 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.
Ben Goody Essex (United Kingdom)	Left	2004	No		No
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)
Lyndall Goodwin Sydney (Australia)	Left	2009	Yes	Yes	No
	Botox Comments: As of 01/20/10 - I had Botox in December 2009, worked great for three days, since then I have had various levels of spasms and droop & numbness on the whole left side of my face, including my neck at times. I have had one week that has been relatively 'normal'. The rest the spasms and numbness varies from mild to a twisted face. I am still deciding if I should continue with Botox for a second round and see if I have better results.
Deborah Gordon Houston, TX (USA)	Left	2006	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: Had 1 treatment of Botox. Not effective, but was given a low dosage. I will be trying it again
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.
Quin Graham Fountain Valley, CA (USA)	Right	2005	No		Yes	1	12/11/07	Dr. Christopher M. Duma Newport Beach, CA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments:
Clenson Grandcourt Mauritius (Mautitus)	Left	2005	No		No
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.
Roberta Greathouse Salinas, CA (USA)	Right	1997	No		No
Eric Green Former 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.
Christie Greene Springfield, MO (USA)	Left	2006	No		No
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.
Selina Griffin Macon, GA (USA)	Right	2002	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: 1st injection Nov 2008. Worked great the 1st time, then diminishing results each time after, with lip drooping after 3rd injection. MVD Comments - Scheduled for MVD on 02/24/10 with Dr. Peter J. Jannetta, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA (USA).
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.
Kristi Griffith San Diego, CA (USA)	Right	1992	No		Yes	1	06/23/99	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	Post MVD Conditions - None
Michele Grippa Aliquippa, PA (USA)	Left	2006	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: I still don't feel I am bad enough for Botox.
Julie Grower Memphis, TN (USA)	Left	2009	No		No
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".
Jenn Gunning Aurora, CO (USA)	Right	2007	No		Yes	1	11/30/09	Dr. Sean E. Markey Parker, CO (USA)	No
	MVD Comments: Update as of 11/30/09 - My surgery went very well. I am very woozy, so I can't say much yet. I still have some spasms, but they seem to be deminishing.
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.
Christina Gutierrez Long Beach, CA (USA)	Right	2003	No		No
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).
Gilbert Gyarmati Coldwater, MI (USA)	Right	2001	No		No
Starkville, MS (USA)	Both	1979	No		No
Scott Haas Florissant, MO (USA)	Right	1988	No		No
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.
Robert Halenda Westcliffe, CO (USA)	Left	2008	No		No
Phyllis Hall Logan, UT (USA)	Left	1996	No		No
Roy Hall Gore, OK (USA)	Right	2001	Yes	No	No
	Botox Comments: relief for about 3 months
Alasdair Hamilton Glasgow (United Kingdom)	Left	2002	No		No
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.
Jackie Hampton Angus, Scotland (United Kingdom)	Left	2001	No		No
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. MVD Comments: For details, click here to see my "MVD Diary".
Anthony Hannon North Haven, CT (USA)	Left	2009	No		No
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	Yes	1	09/03/09	Dr. Jerry Davis La Crosse, WI (USA)	Yes
	Botox Comments: Very painful during injection. It did not work and left me with a slight droop of my eyelid and mouth. MVD Comments: Update as of 09/20/09 - I've been dreaming of being able to make this post! I am spasm free!! It feels wonderful! I do have some side effects from the surgery but my doctor is very confidant that they will all resolve in time. I have dizzieness and I'm still pretty wobley on my feet and can't spin around too quickly or I get that sick feeling. Also, have some hearing loss.
Jeanette Hansen Portland, OR (USA)	Right	2003	No		Yes	2	11/02/06	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Update as of 11/15/08 - Well, here goes the words I wasn't sure I would ever get to say. I AM HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THAT I HAVE BEEN SPASM FREE since about 10 months after my 2nd surgery. I still can see a vein pulsate under my eye periodically and every great once in a while I have what I will call just a very mild flutter/tension in my lower eyelid, not bothersome at all, not noticeable, and less and less as time goes on. This is so unnoticeable that I now look completely normal. I’m ecstatically happy since this went away. I did lose the majority of the hearing in the right ear/MVD side. I went to a hearing aid center recently, but at this point a hearing aid won't help. I still have more hearing in the MVD side than I thought I did, so there may be some hope in the future with advancing technology. Even with the hearing loss and what I will describe as a very difficult 2nd surgery, I absolutely, 100%, would do this again, knowing everything I know now. I am not happy that I lost the hearing but I am by far happier being spasm free. (MVD #1 on 03/09/06 also with Dr. Jannetta)
Dorthy Hardin Former Memb. Raleigh, NC (USA)	Right	1988	No		Yes	1	08/18/99	Dr. David L. Kelly Winston-Salem, NC (USA)	Yes
	Post MVD Conditions - Total hearing loss HFS ear, Mouth movements like eating and smiling make right eyelid muscles contract.
Carol Hardy Raleigh, NC (USA)	Right	1992	Yes	Yes	No	2	04/14/03	Dr.Takanori Fukushima Raleigh, NC (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: MVD #2 took 2 1/2 hours. Dr. Fukushima said the 7th and 8th nerves are supposed to work in sequence but mine did not, and they were wrapped together. He separated them above where the previous surgery was. He would have tried to separate them further down the nerves but I would have had complete loss of hearing in my right ear, facial palsy and dizziness. So he did the best he could with what he had to work with. He also said he did not want to put me through another surgery, so if this doesn't work, he would suggest Botox injections every 3 months He found two other loops with my artery and nerves. But the good news is I AM NOT HAVING SPASMS!!!!!!!! During the first night, my hearing went deaf twice, but nothing since. 1st MVD on 05/24/93 with Dr. Charles Rawlings, Forsyth Hospital, Winston Salem, NC (USA) and was spasm free for nine years until 2002.
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.
Judy Harrell Midlothian, VA (USA)	Both	1987	No		No
Cynthia Harris Former Memb. Ft. Worth, TX (USA)	Right	2001	No		Yes	1	12/03/02	Drs. Kassam & Horowitz Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	No
	MVD Comments: As of 10/06/03, there has been some improvement since my 2nd MVD operation, but I still have flutters when I eat and when I say words starting with M's. I just keep hoping it will eventually all go away, but I can live with it at this state. I would say I had a 60% improvement. MVD #1 also with Drs. Kassam & Horowitz, UPMC, Pittsburgh, PA (USA) on 11/14/02.
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".
Nicola Harvey Berkhamsted (United Kingdom)	Right	2006	No		No
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.
Pat Hawley Bellingham, WA (USA)	Right	2006	No		No
Susan Hawley Wayne, MI (USA)	Right	1998	No		No
Donovan Head Former 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.
Cindie Heavner Jensen Beach, FL (USA)	Left	2008	No		No
	MVD Comments: Scheduled for MVD consultation on 01/20/10 with Dr. Siviero Agazzi, Tampa General Hospital, Tampa, FL (USA).
Dana Helder Fort Frances, Ontario (Canada)	Left	1998	No		Yes	1	04/17/07	Dr. Anthony Kaufmann Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada)	Yes
	Click here to see my "Personal HFS History". MVD Comments: Update as of 07/02/07 - I have been spasm free now for 3 weeks. Prior to the 3 weeks I was spasm free for almost 2 weeks and then had 2 days where I had a few mild spasms. So all in all I have had only 2 days within the last 5 weeks.
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!!!
Janice Helton Silver Creek, NY (USA)	Right	2004	No		No
John Hemmann Former Memb. Laguna Hills, CA (USA)	Left	1999	No		Yes	1	09/30/02	Dr. Hrayr Shahinian Los Angeles, CA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments - As of 12/02/2002, The condition causing the hemifacial spasms turned out to be more severe than originally anticipated. Dr. Shanian explained that it was a "type four" severity with regard to the wrapping of the blood vessels around the facial nerve. To make a long story short, the operation cured the facial spasms, but I was left with the left side of my face paralyzed and totally without hearing in my left ear. I also had to have cosmetic eye surgery on my lower left eyelid, as the eye could not be fully closed and was having problems with infection. My facial functions have been slowly returning and it is expected that these will be back to normal (at the current rate, maybe in 4-6 months?). However, my hearing has not returned at all. I do not regret having the operation and am thankful that the spasms are gone, but never dreamed that I would suffer the severe "side effects". The fully endoscopic surgery resulted in a relatively small skull opening and the original bone was set back in place. This healed rapidly with a minimum of complications.
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:
Donna Henderson Atlanta , GA (USA)	Left	1999	No		No
Julia Henderson Whakatane (New Zealand)	Right	2009	No		No
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.
Ed Hendrickx Denver, CO (USA)	Right	2006	No		No
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:
Randall Henry Lebanon, TN (USA)	Left	1998	No		Yes	1	10/26/99	Dr. Carl M. Hampf Nashville, TN (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Update as of 07/12/08 - Developed some numbness along and around the scare. Also I will have a pin prick sensation from time to time at the top of the opening in my skull. It had been almost nine years post MVD and I still am "spasm free". MVD is certainly worth whatever recovery time it takes to be spasm free.
Deborah Herdlicka Cedar Rapids, IA (USA)	Left	2001	Yes	No	Yes	1	09/17/09	Dr. Bruce Gantz Iowa City, IA (USA)	No
	Botox Comments: Botox helped with spasms, but it froze my face,face drooped,and I couldn't smile or even open my mouth on left side. MVD Comments: Spasms continue with same regularity if not worse.
Susan Herring Picayune, MS (USA)	Left	2004	No		Yes	1	02/15/07	Dr. Peter J. Jannetta Pittsburgh, PA (USA)	Yes
	MVD Comments: Update as of 02/17/07 - Have some weakness on the left side, lopsided smile, etc. I have lost my hearing completely in my left side also. They are at a loss as to why this happened, as they monitored the 8th nerve, and everything went fine, or so it seemed. I had told them about the stuffiness that happened on the plane, so they are thinking maybe I have an infection, or fluid build up. I go back for another hearing test on 02/20/07. I thought I was prepared for this (the possible hearing loss) but I cry every so often, when I think about it. I am blessed though, to be "spasm free", and I'm very grateful for that.
Kay Hershberger Orlando, FL (USA)	Left	2001	No		No
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