Table of contents:
- Definition of blepharospasm
- What is blepharospasm?
- Symptoms of bleafrospasm
- When should I see a doctor?
- Causes of blepharospasm
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk of developing this condition?
- 1. Family history
- 2. History of eye disease
- 3. Diseases or other disorders
- 4. Medicines
- Diagnosis & Treatment
- How is this condition diagnosed?
- What are the treatment options for blepharospasm?
Definition of blepharospasm
What is blepharospasm?
Blefarospasm or blepharospasm is a rare condition that causes your eyelids to flicker or twitch. You can't control it, so this condition is also known as an accidental blinking or twitching. These twitches are caused by spasms of the muscles around your eyes.
Many think that blepharospasm is the same as eye twitching. However, blepharospasm is just one of several causes of your twitching eyes.
Blefarospasm is generally more common in women than men. Quoted from the American Academy of Family Physicians, this condition may be inherited from the family.
This condition, also known as benign essential blepharospasm, starts with the eyes unable to stop blinking or irritating the eyes. As the condition worsens, the eyes become more sensitive to light, vision becomes blurred, and you may experience facial spasms.
In serious cases, your eye may twitch so intensely that it causes your eyelids to close for several hours.
Symptoms of bleafrospasm
Quoted from the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the symptoms of blepharospasm, namely eye twitching, almost always attack both eyes at once (bilateral).
In its early stages, blepharospasm is characterized by frequent blinking and eye irritation. These symptoms that appear can be aggravated by certain stimuli, such as:
- Bright light
- Fatigue
- Emotional tension
- Environmental factors, such as wind or pollution
Signs and symptoms of this condition usually appear in early adulthood to old age and will worsen gradually. Symptoms may decrease when you sleep or focus on doing something.
In advanced conditions, muscle spasms cause you to accidentally blink or squint. You will have difficulty opening your eyes which can cause severe vision problems.
When should I see a doctor?
You may need to see a doctor if you have chronic eyelid spasms and any of the following conditions are present:
- Unusual red, swollen or oozing eyes
- The upper eyelid droops
- The lids were perfectly closed, each twitch
- The twitch lasts for several weeks
- The twitching starts to affect other parts of the face.
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Causes of blepharospasm
Blepharospasm is a movement disorder (dystonia) the muscles around the eyes. The exact cause is not known, but researchers believe the condition is caused by damage to certain cells in the nervous system called the basal ganglia.
The basal ganglia are structures made up of nerve cells located deep in the brain. The basal ganglia are involved in regulating motor function and learning. However, it is not known exactly what problems occur in people with blepharospasm.
Risk factors
What increases my risk of developing this condition?
One of the risk factors that can cause blepharospasm is gender. Women generally experience this condition more often than men. Blepharospasm usually begins in middle or late adulthood.
In addition, several other risk factors for blepharospasm include:
1. Family history
In some cases, this condition runs in families. In rarer cases, blepharospasm may be inherited from the parent. However, more research is needed to prove the role of genetics in the development of this condition.
2. History of eye disease
Blefarospasm sometimes occurs as a result of eye diseases, such as eye injuries. However, most cases of this condition develop spontaneously, without any precipitating factors.
3. Diseases or other disorders
This condition can also be a result of various diseases, such as tardive dyskinesia or generalized dystonia, Wilson's disease, and various Parkinson's syndromes.
4. Medicines
Blefarospasm can also occur due to the use of certain drugs, especially drugs to treat Parkinson's disease.
Diagnosis & Treatment
How is this condition diagnosed?
The doctor will examine your eye and ask you to describe your symptoms. The doctor will also ask about your medical history.
Examinations may include imaging tests of your brain and eyes. This includes X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scan. This scan allows your doctor to see your body from the inside.
What are the treatment options for blepharospasm?
To date, there is no known cure for blepharospasm. However, some treatment options may reduce the severity.
The most commonly used treatment is botulinum toxin (Botox, Dysport, Xeomin). Botox can relieve severe seizures for several months. However, once the effects of the injection wear off, you will need another injection.
In mild cases, the doctor may suggest drugs such as:
- Clonazepam
- Lorazepam
- Trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride
Surgical removal of some of the muscles and nerves in the eyelid (myectomy) may also be taken if your twitching is bothersome. In addition, physical therapy can be useful for training facial muscles to relax.
Even so, the treatment you need will depend on the cause of your blepharospasm. Some people also use alternative medicine, although it is not yet known how effective it is to treat this condition.
Alternative treatments that may be used to treat blepharospasm include:
- Biofeedback
- Acupuncture
- Hypnotic
- Care chiropractic
- Nutritional therapy
Everyone's condition is different. Even if you and other people have the same problem, it is not necessarily the case that your symptoms and treatment will be the same. Make sure you consult a doctor for the right solution.
