NERVE COAGULATION BY RADIOFREQUENCY WITH A SELF-MADE GENERATOR IN THE TREATMENT OF FACIAL SPASM

Twenty cases of hemifacial spasm were treated by percutaneous radiofrequency at or near the stylomastoid foramen with a self-made generator. The features of experimental nerve and muscle lesions obtained by thermocontrolled radiofrequency were studied in animals at first. The technique, the result, and the complications of this method we are described in detial. Since the state of facial nerve injury caused by this generator can be kept under control the resulting facial palsy can be minimized. The operative results in the 20 patients were excellent. The procedure is simple, easy to perform, and quite effective. It is suggested that this procedure is the method of choice for treating hemifacial spasm.