Blepharospasm, also known as the uncontrolled muscle twitching, that forces your eyelids closed, can be a debilitating and disruptive condition that can affect your vision. Fortunately, this condition, while relatively rare, is treatable with the right approach.
What causes blepharospasm?
Most research indicates that blepharospasm is a neurological condition caused by two main areas of the brain: the basal ganglia and the cranial nerve VII (CN VII). The basal ganglia is responsible for coordinating movement in the brain, while the CN VII is responsible for controlling facial movements and expressions. Put simply, this condition occurs when the areas of the brain controlling your eyelid muscles malfunction, resulting in twitching or spasms. Several risk factors contribute to the development of blepharospasm, including sex (females are more likely to experience this condition than males), age (individuals aged 50-70 years old are at the greatest risk), genetics (research indicates that blepharospasm tends to run in families), a previous history of eye injury or neurological conditions, and other factors.
What are the symptoms of blepharospasm?
While eye twitching is the only symptom of blepharospasm, some signs could indicate that your eye twitches are a result of blepharospasm. They include:
The duration in which your eyes open and close
The degree to which your eyes close
A spasm in both eyes (blepharospasm rarely presents in only one eye)
Lack of control over the spasms
There is a pattern to the spasms rather than random movement
You blink often
How is blepharospasm diagnosed?
While blepharospasm alone isn’t a particularly dangerous condition, it can create hazardous conditions for driving, work, and more. Diagnosing blepharospasm can play an important role in averting future dangerous accidents. The process typically involves a neurological exam, physical exam, and medical history. However, accurately diagnosing blepharospasm can be tricky. If you suspect you may have blepharospasm, talk to a TPMG Neurologist about what next steps may be right for you.
How do you treat blepharospasm?
There are a range of treatment options for those with blepharospasm, both surgical options and noninvasive methods. Oftentimes, your doctor will treat the cause of the blepharospasm in order to reduce your symptoms. Treatment options include:
Botox injections
Specially tinted eyeglasses
Surgery
Lifestyle changes (reducing stress, getting more sleep, cutting down on caffeine, etc.)
Blepharospasm rarely resolves itself on its own. Interventions with a doctor will help you regain quality of life. For more information regarding the treatment of blepharospasm, speak to a TPMG Neurologist today.