Blapharospasm


Bleparospasm is involuntary blinking or closure of eyelids. It is caused by abnormalities in the muscles surrounding eyes and is more common amongst women than men. Vision is disrupted if the eyes are forced to shut for longer than a blink. It usually affects both eyes and can be treated with drugs if it is mild. A healthy lifestyle can relieve symptoms. If it is severe, botulinum toxin (Botox) may be injected with a fine needle into the eye area including the eyelid, the eyebrow, or under the lower eyelid. Botox treatment lasts up to 4 months and can then be repeated. Surgery may also be an option by removing the muscles responsible for eyelid closure.

Bleparospasm is most commonly associated with people between the ages of 50 and 70, and affects the eye muscles causing uncontrolled blinking or irregular spasms of the eyelids. The condition, known medically as a dystonia, is a neurological movement disorder, which affects the parts of the body where muscles contract. In the most extreme cases, if you suffer from Blepharospasm you may be powerless to stop your eyelids from closing tightly shut, leaving you temporarily blind. 

Causes of Blepharospasm

The exact cause of the disorder in unknown as of yet, but it is believed that Blepharospasm is associated with an abnormal functioning of the basal ganglia which is a small area located within the brain which is directly involved with controlling the movement of the muscles in the body. The condition is also thought to be hereditary.

Symptoms of Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm is known to develop gradually with little or no signs at all. If you suffer from the disorder you may find that the symptoms become more obvious when you are tired, begin to read or are suffering from stress. Early symptoms of the disorder may include irritation, increased blinking or discomfort of the eye. Your eyes can also become very sensitive to bright light and everyday objects, such as the flickering of a television and you may suffer from dry eyes.

Smoke, wind and physical activities such as walking and running can also cause the eye muscles to spasm, fatigue and emotional tension can also be linked with the condition. Blepharospasm can make you feel very conscious about yourself and can lower your self-esteem.

The abnormal blinking or spasms may decrease when you sleep or when your concentration levels are focused on a particular task. It is not uncommon for the frequency and intensity of the muscle spasms to increase over a few years as the condition progresses and can extend to muscles in the lower face, neck and jaw.

Treatment for Blepharospasm.

There is no known cure to date, although gradual progress is being made with extensive amounts of research being carried out around the world. There is a wide range of oral medication available for the treatment of Blepharospam but the effect that these have are not universal, with some people benefiting more than others. The relief provided by these drugs, in most cases are usually only effective for a short amount of time with less than 20 percent of patients being helped.

Electromyography is a form of treatment against Blepharospasm. The muscles affected by the spasms are identified and botulinum toxin is injected directly into them, paralysing the muscles in the eyelids.

Myectomy may be another form of treatment available if you suffer with the condition. The surgical procedure involves the removal of the muscles responsible for closing the eyelids.

Acupuncture, hypnosis, chiropractic therapy and biofeedback all have been suggested as possible forms of treatment for Blepharospasm. Ptosis props can also help to keep open the eyelids during contractions whilst sunglasses and tinted lenses can help with sensitivity to light.


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