Tucker’s ordeal began at age 35 with a persistent, involuntary wink that gradually intensified into full-face spasms. Despite early neurological testing, she spent years navigating a maze of misdiagnoses—ranging from focal dystonia to blepharospasm—and relied on heavy doses of clonazepam and temporary Botox injections. The condition eventually reached a breaking point by early 2026, interfering with her ability to drive and sleep, and nearly pushing her toward disability.
In section Releases
A 25-Year Battle With Hemifacial Spasm Ends in Los Angeles
For over two decades, Kimberly Tucker lived with involuntary facial spasms that eroded her confidence and forced her to withdraw from the life she loved. At 60, the Virginia resident finally found relief after traveling 3,000 miles to Los Angeles for a specialized neurosurgical procedure that she says restored her freedom.
Her search for a permanent solution led her to Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol, a neurosurgeon at the Atlas Institute of Brain and Spine. After a virtual consultation, Tucker underwent microvascular decompression (MVD) at Providence Saint John’s Health Center on April 21, 2026. While her recovery was initially gradual, the spasms vanished completely within eight weeks. Now back in Virginia, Tucker has resumed her hobbies, including music lessons, and no longer lives in fear of facial distortion. She urges others suffering from the condition to stop waiting and seek specialized surgical evaluation rather than relying indefinitely on temporary symptom management.
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