South Middlesex Times

In 2021, Becky Robbins began experiencing twitching on the left side of her face. Initially thinking it was temporary, the condition persisted and became more frequent. "I just didn't know what in the world was happening to me," said Robbins, a self-taught artist and former nurse from San Diego, California.

A neurosurgeon in San Diego recommended brain surgery after a brief consultation. "He was not with me more than five minutes and told me I needed brain surgery," Robbins recalled. Shocked by this recommendation, she sought a second opinion. This doctor detailed potential side effects of surgery, suggesting it should only be considered in emergencies.

As symptoms worsened, making it difficult for Robbins to smile on her left side, she searched for alternatives. Her breakthrough came via an Instagram podcast featuring Rutgers doctor Gary Heir. Within two days of hearing him speak, she arranged an appointment and traveled to New Jersey in March 2024.

"I’ve never been seen by anyone who took so much time with me and was so kind and committed to finding a solution," Robbins said of Dr. Heir's approach. He suspected hemifacial spasm—a rare condition caused by a blood vessel pressing against the facial nerve—and consulted his colleague Stephen Johnson at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.

Johnson confirmed the diagnosis: a vascular contact with the cranial nerve controlling facial expressions was causing Robbins' issues. "With every beat of my heart, the blood vessel was pushing on the nerve and damaging it," she explained.

Johnson recommended surgery as the permanent solution despite its risks. He offered his personal phone number for any questions Robbins might have during her decision-making process. She initially tried Botox injections but found them ineffective long-term.

Her facial twitching interrupted production of her television show, The Art of Art. By October 2024, she decided to proceed with surgery after discussing options with Johnson. The procedure involved vascular decompression of the nerve and resulted in rapid symptom resolution.

Heir stated that Robbins "remains symptom-free for one year." Reflecting on her experience, Robbins expressed relief: "I’m so glad I’m on the other side of it."