Hemifacial Spasm Surgeon | Aaron Cohen-Gadol, MD

Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol is an internationally recognized neurosurgeon and the most experienced surgeon in the United States performing microvascular decompression (MVD) for hemifacial spasm. 

As a trusted hemifacial spasm surgeon, he has helped hundreds of patients regain their confidence, comfort, and quality of life by providing permanent relief from this disruptive condition. Known for his technical mastery and compassionate approach, Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol is widely regarded as a leader in treating facial nerve disorders with precision and care.

Hemifacial spasm occurs when a tiny blood vessel compresses the facial nerve, triggering uncontrollable twitching or spasms on one side of the face. For patients, the condition can be socially distressing and physically exhausting. Dr. Cohen-Gadol has devoted a significant portion of his career to helping patients overcome this disorder through MVD, the gold-standard surgical treatment. He feels passionate about transforming the lives of the patients suffering from hemifacial spasm. 

Having performed hundreds of successful procedures, Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol is recognized as a leading hemifacial spasm specialist. His exceptional ability to identify and delicately relieve the blood vessel compression responsible for the spasms while minimizing surgical risks has resulted in consistently excellent outcomes. His patients often report long-term relief, renewed self-confidence, and improved quality of life after surgery.

What sets Dr. Cohen-Gadol apart is not only his surgical mastery but also his dedication to patient well-being. He uses the most advanced microsurgical tools, intraoperative monitoring, and modern imaging technologies to maximize safety and effectiveness.

At every stage of treatment, Dr. Cohen-Gadol emphasizes personalized care, listening to each patient’s story, addressing concerns, and explaining surgical steps in a clear, reassuring manner. As founder of the Neurosurgical Atlas, the world’s most prestigious innovative and educational platform for neurosurgeons, he has also trained surgeons worldwide in the latest MVD methods. For those seeking freedom from hemifacial spasm, Dr Cohen-Gadol offers the highest level of expertise and care available in the United States.

MVD is a highly delicate procedure that requires steady hands, microscopic precision, and extensive knowledge of cranial nerve anatomy to reach deep and risky locations within the brain. Dr. Cohen-Gadol has refined his techniques over years of practice, ensuring that patients receive the safest and most effective care possible. His success rate for hemifacial spasm surgery ranks among the best in the country, giving patients peace of mind when choosing him for their treatment.

Each patient’s case is unique, and Dr. Cohen-Gadol approaches hemifacial spasm treatment with this in mind. From the first consultation, he works closely with patients to understand their symptoms, medical history, and expectations. He explains the surgical process in detail, helping patients and their families feel informed and empowered. His team also ensures that patients receive support at every step, from preoperative preparation to recovery and rehabilitation.

Dr. Cohen-Gadol integrates advanced neurosurgical innovations into his practice, including high-definition surgical microscopes, endoscopic assistance, and intraoperative nerve monitoring. He applies unique techniques to protect the normal brain structures while reaching the deep locations to assure adequate decompression is completed. The two biggest risks of surgery are minimized (1) injury to normal brain and 2) missing a vessel that could lead to poor outcomes in terms of continuation of spams.

These tools enable him to perform MVD with extraordinary precision, reducing the risk of complications and maximizing the chance for long-term relief. For patients who have endured years of facial spasms, these techniques often provide transformative, life-changing outcomes.

A 46-year-old middle school teacher had endured worsening facial spasms for nearly 5 years. The twitching affected her left eye and mouth, making it difficult to speak in class and leaving her self-conscious around students and colleagues. After consulting Dr. Cohen-Gadol, she underwent MVD. During surgery, he carefully identified a small artery that was compressing her facial nerve and repositioned it.

Within days of surgery, the spasms dramatically reduced, and within weeks, they had completely gone away. The patient returned to teaching with renewed confidence and joy, describing the experience as “getting her life back.”

A 59-year-old engineer sought Dr. Cohen-Gadol’s expertise after years of progressive right-sided facial spasms. He had tried medications, including muscle relaxants, but found them ineffective and burdensome because of their side effects. His spasms became so severe that they disrupted his work and personal life.

Dr. Cohen-Gadol performed a successful MVD, freeing the facial nerve from vascular compression. The patient noticed an immediate reduction in twitching and regained control of his facial movements. Months later, he remained symptom-free and reported enjoying social interactions without embarrassment for the first time in years.

A 65-year-old grandmother had experienced hemifacial spasm for over a decade. The condition made it difficult for her to smile naturally in photos and caused distress during family gatherings. She was unable to drive reliably due to episodic closure of her eyes, interfering with her vision. She turned to Dr. Cohen-Gadol after researching his extensive experience with MVD.

After surgery, her recovery was smooth, and her facial spasms disappeared. She expressed immense gratitude for being able to smile freely again and enjoy time with her grandchildren without the distraction of constant twitching.

Preparation is a crucial part of ensuring successful outcomes after MVD. Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol and his team take patients through a thorough evaluation process, which includes advanced imaging such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, to pinpoint the exact location of vascular compression. Patients are provided with detailed instructions on how to prepare physically and mentally for surgery.

Dr. Cohen-Gadol emphasizes clear communication during this stage, addressing concerns about recovery time, risks, and expected results. Patients are encouraged to involve family members in their consultations to ensure a supportive environment for them before and after surgery.

At the Atlas Institute of Brain and Spine, patient care is a collaborative effort. Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol leads a highly skilled multidisciplinary team; each member plays a vital role in achieving the best outcomes for patients with hemifacial spasm.

• Neuro-anesthesiologists ensure patient safety during delicate cranial procedures.
• Surgical nurses and scrub technicians provide precision support in the operating room.
• Intraoperative monitoring specialists track nerve function in real time to reduce surgical risk.
• Recovery and rehabilitation staff guide patients through the healing process, addressing pain management and functional recovery.
• Patient coordinators and care managers help patients and families navigate scheduling, insurance, and follow-up care.

This integrated team approach ensures that every patient benefits from comprehensive support, cutting-edge surgical methods, and attentive postoperative care. The result is improved safety, faster recovery, and a smoother journey back to normal life.

For individuals living with hemifacial spasm, the constant twitching and loss of control can be deeply frustrating and isolating. Relief is possible with the expertise of Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol, a world-class hemifacial spasm surgeon dedicated to helping patients regain normal facial function. With unmatched surgical skill, innovative techniques, and compassionate patient care, Dr. Cohen-Gadol offers a path to long-term freedom from this condition.

As a leading hemifacial spasm specialist, he combines technical mastery with a genuine commitment to improving lives. At the Atlas Institute of Brain and Spine, patients gain access to cutting-edge technology, a supportive multidisciplinary team, and the guidance of a surgeon who has transformed outcomes for countless patients nationwide.

If you are seeking lasting relief from hemifacial spasm, trust your care to Dr. Aaron Cohen-Gadol, whose expertise, innovation, and compassion can help restore your confidence and quality of life.

The clinic is located at Cedars Towers East which is at 8631 W 3rd Street, Suite 815E, Los Angeles, CA 90048, near Beverly Grove. It’s easily accessible from San Vicente Boulevard or La Cienega Boulevard. Paid parking is available in the adjacent structure and limited street parking can be found nearby. For navigation, entering “8631 W 3rd St” into GPS will direct you to the main entrance. 

The entrance to the Cedars Towers East parking garage is on Sherbourne Drive, located just north of 3rd Street. It is a self-parking garage with the address 217 S Sherbourne Dr, Los Angeles, CA. The entrance is on the right if you are traveling south on Sherbourne, or on the left if you are traveling north on Sherbourne. You then need to take the parking elevators to the plaza level and then cross the short bridge to use the East elevators to reach the 8th floor (suite 815.) Allow extra time for traffic and parking, especially during weekday mornings.