Hemifacial spasm in a child with Arnold—Chiari malformation type I

Hemifacial spasm is a condition characterized by involuntary clonic-tonic contractions of the muscles of one half of the face, most often caused by neurovascular conflict in adults. However, this condition is extremely rare in children. The article presents a rare clinical case of hemifacial spasm in a 7-year-old child with Arnold-Chiari malformation type I. Diagnostic work-up included MRI with angiographic mode and electroneurophysiological tests. Treatment was started with carbamazepine with a short-term effect, after which type A botulinum therapy was successfully used, resulting in a steady improvement.