Hemifacial spasm triggered by vasodilators.

Hemifacial spasm features myoclonic-like, paroxysmal, unilateral muscle twitching, attributable to vascular compression at the facial pontine root entry zone. We present the case of an 85-year-old man who presented with idiopathic hemifacial spasm with onset 23 years before. For the last 5 years, he was successfully treated with botulinum toxin injections. However, occasional nitrate intake for precordial pain promptly triggered muscle twitching. Vasodilation may exacerbate not only cases of hemifacial spasm, but even of trigeminal neuralgia, both recognized as neurovascular compressive syndromes.