Botox® Experiences - Jack O'Donnell
On 01/15/99, I went to a Neurologist (Albert D. Wagman, MD, Abington Neurological Associates
Suite 401, 1245 Highland Avenue, Abington, PA 19001) who, following an exam and testing in his office, indicated that he believed I had Hemifacial Spasm. He sent me for Nerve Conduction studies, an EMG and a MRI. Conclusion, no tumors but confirmation of Left Hemifacial Spasm.
In his report back to my primary care physician, he wrote in part "… the presence of
synkinesias indicate that the patient has had the condition for a long period of time in order to get muscle redirection". So apparently I had HFS for at least a few years prior to seeking diagnosis and treatment.
The Neurologist then prescribed Neurontin, starting on 01/29/99, and over a period of time the dosage was continually increased with no positive results.
In early 1999 I had learned about Botox® injections and when the Neurontin failed to work I was referred to an Opthalmologist, (Allan E. Wulc, M.D., F.A.C.S, Abington Hospital, Suite 503, 1245 Highland Avenue, Abington, PA 19001, Telephone: 215.886.5400) who specialized in eye plastic surgery, to begin Botox® injections.
On 04/27/99, I was injected with 32.5 units of Botox® with only minimal improvement. On
05/06/99 I was injected again, but although the spasms were lessened, they did not completely
go away and they continued to be annoying.
During a visit on 05/25/99, we discussed Microvascular Decompression Surgery (MVD) and Dr. Wulc concured with my thoughts that MVD was the appropriate next step since I was only 54,
and without MVD surgery, would have to live with HFS for the rest of my life. Since my
research had taught me that it was recommended that you be Botox® free for nine (9) months
prior to MVD, I stopped Botox® treatment.
On Wednesday, 10/18/00, I had successful MVD surgery with Dr. Peter J. Jannetta at Allegheny
General Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA (USA) and I'm now "SPASM FREE".
For details of my HFS experience see my Personal HFS History.
For details of my MVD surgeries see my MVD Diary's.
Permission granted the HFSA to post Botox® Experience on website.
Jack O'Donnell, October 20, 2001