Baclofen in hemifacial spasm

Six patients with idiopathic hemifacial spasm refractory to the usually employed medications were successfully treated with baclofen. Adverse side effects were found in only 1 patient (memory loss) which was controlled with administration of piracetam. We suggest that there is an association between stress and certain cases of hemifacial spasm and that such stress related cases may respond positively to baclofen.