ANA Discussion Forum

Treatment Options => Radiation / Radiosurgery => Topic started by: MG on July 27, 2016, 04:38:43 am

Title: Facial Spasm after Cyber Knife
Post by: MG on July 27, 2016, 04:38:43 am
 Hello Everyone,

I am five weeks post Cyber Knife and my symptoms were minimal with ear pain and exhaustion. Yesterday my lips tightened up and the left AN side of my face drooped!!  :o  I had been standing in front of my bathroom mirror when it happened so I saw it immediately and freaked out! Luckily it lasted for a few seconds but it scared me. I thought that it takes longer for the tumor to swell. It's only been 5 weeks. Has anyone had this happen so soon? Should I have my doctor give me a script for steroids?

Thank you,
MG

Title: Re: Facial Spasm after Cyber Knife
Post by: errnkk on July 27, 2016, 08:40:45 am
I am having hemifacial spasms as well. It happened 6 months post Gamma knife. I took a course of steroids but it did not help. The spasms occur 2-3 times a day. It's been happening for 6 months already. I was wondering if someone also had the spasm and how long did they last. Is it a permanent thing or gets better? Please share
Title: Re: Facial Spasm after Cyber Knife
Post by: Blw on July 27, 2016, 01:40:00 pm
Not unusual and is part of the post treatment process.
Title: Re: Facial Spasm after Cyber Knife
Post by: mcrue on July 27, 2016, 03:04:39 pm
MG,

I would certainly place a phone call with your doctor to ask about steroids. It is your health after all.

I was given steroids 10 days after my 4.5 month follow-up MRI , when they received the cd which showed swelling on my MRI.

If I hadn't chosen to have the MRI 1.5 months early, I would obviously have not been put on steroids (as nobody would be the wiser to the swelling).

Interestingly, my tinnitus has improved a little bit with the steroids.
The steroids I was prescribed is only a multi-day pack, with diminishing doses each day which tapers off. It looks very mild to me compared to Decadron.

I was hoping for something stronger, and more long-term.

 
Title: Re: Facial Spasm after Cyber Knife
Post by: MG on July 28, 2016, 05:40:09 am
I am better today so far and I did get a prescription for a mild form of steroids if needed. I will take them now if the pain flares up again. Glad your tinnitus is better mcrue.

I hope you find some answers errnkk. Hang in there.

MG