What is eyelid twitch?
Eyelid twitch is a rare condition that causes your eyelids to blink or twitch. You cannot control it. This is called involuntary blinking or twitching. Seizures are caused by muscle spasms around your eyes.
Eyelid twitch are just one of many reasons why your eyes twitch. More common reasons include little things, such as fatigue or heavy caffeine use. Serious reasons may include neurological diseases. Eyelid twitch affect women more than men. It can run in the family.
Symptoms of eyelid twitch:
Symptoms of blepharospasm include seizures or repetitive, uncontrollable blinking. Seizures often occur when you are too tired, stressed, or anxious. It can also happen when you are exposed to bright light and sunlight. It may get better while you are sleeping or concentrating on a task.
Uncontrolled seizures can get worse over time. Eventually, you may find it difficult to open your eyelids. As the condition progresses, your eyelids may close for several hours at a time. Spasms can also develop on your face.
What causes Eyelid twitch?
Eyelid twitch are caused by abnormal brain function in the part of your brain that controls your muscles. Doctors aren’t sure why this is happening. Symptoms can be triggered by stress and being too tired. Or they may be triggered by a neurological condition, including Tourette syndrome or Parkinson’s disease. Some medications can make blepharospasm worse. Be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking.
How is blepharospasm diagnosed?
Your doctor will examine your eyes and ask about your symptoms. He or she will ask you about your medical history. If he or she suspects your eyelid twitching is caused by anything other than stress or fatigue, you may be referred for a neurological exam. One such test may include imaging tests of your brain and eyes. These may include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT). These scans allow doctors to look inside your body.
Can Eyelid twitch be prevented or avoided?
Eyelid twitch cannot be prevented or avoided.
Eyelid twitch treatment
There is no cure for blepharospasm. But there are treatments to ease your symptoms.
- Some injectable drugs, such as botulinum toxin (brand name: Botox), can treat muscle diseases. These drugs temporarily weaken the muscles of the eyelids. The drug is injected with a needle under the skin of the eyelid.
- Some drug may work, but only for a short period of time. Symptoms often return.
- One surgical procedure called a myomectomy can treat the symptoms. This surgery removes certain muscles and nerves in the eyelids.
Treatments may also depend on the underlying cause of your blepharospasm. For example, medications used to treat Parkinson’s disease can reduce eye twitching.
Some people use alternative treatments. These may include biofeedback, acupuncture, hypnosis, chiropractic care, and nutritional therapy. This has not been shown to be an effective treatment.
Living with it.
Blepharospasm is a lifelong disorder. Talk to your doctor about how to ease your symptoms. Also, consider keeping a journal to track when seizures occur. You may notice it happening when exposed to bright light, when you’re stressed, or when you’re too tired. Knowing your triggers can help you avoid or reduce your symptoms.