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• Blepharospasm, also referred to as benign essential blepharospasm, is a neurological movement disorder in which the eyelids twitch and close involuntarily. This condition occurs in both eyes.NANOS: Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB)

• Fast Facts

  1. Frequency: 5 out of every 100,000 peopleNorth American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS): Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB)
  2. Onset: Mean age of onset is 56 http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/12...
  3. Affects women more than menNatural Eye Care: Blepharospasm (Eye Twitch)
  4. Often occurs within familiesMerck Manuals: Blepharospasm
  5. Apraxia of lid opening is a condition in which the patient has difficulty opening the eyelids. Apraxia of lid opening is commonly associated with blepharospasm http://www.nanosweb.org/patient_info/bro...

• Causes

  The cause of benign essential blepharospasm is believed to be a problem in the basal ganglia, the section of the brain that is responsible for movement. Secondary blepharospasm can be experienced as a result of brain injury, adverse reaction to prescribed drugs Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis or other neurological disorders.Merck Manuals: Blepharospasm BBC Health: Blepharospasm

• Symptoms

  Symptoms of blepharospasm include increased frequency of blinking, eye irritation and sensitivity to light.eMedicine: Eye Institut2.htm#section~Differentials Blepharospasm, Benign Essential National Eye Institute: What are the Symptoms of Blepharospasm The spasms may lessen or cease during sleep.North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS): Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB)

• Treatments

  There is no treatment that will cure blepharospasm. For most patients symptoms can be temporarily relieved through injections of botulinum toxin type A into the muscles of the eyelid. In the US Botox is the usual toxin used, though other brands are in the FDA approval cycle. Injections stop the spasms by paralyzing the eyelid muscles and need to be repeated periodically. Drug treatments work to a degree for some patients, but not for others. Surgery may be used to remove muscles in the eyelids.of the eyelids in cases where botulinum toxin injections are not effective. WebMD: [ http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1212176-treatment]

• Disclaimer

  The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you think you have blepharospasm, please consult your doctor.

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