Eye twitching can be a sign of a variety of neurological disorders. Here are a few to keep an eye out for: Bell’s palsy, Ocular myokymia, Dystonia, and Benign essential blepharospasm. Once you’ve ruled out the more serious disorders, your doctor will determine the proper course of treatment. To get a clearer picture of what’s causing your twitching, check out the articles below.
Benign essential blepharospasm
Blepharospasm, also known as facial dystonia, is a disorder in which the muscles of the face contract involuntarily to move certain parts of the body. The symptoms of blepharospasm may include eye twitching, painful jaw movements, and involuntary eye blinking. The disease can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress, injury, a genetic predisposition, or a chemical reaction to a drug. Patients may also develop Meige syndrome, a disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and tremors in the face.
The exact causes of this disorder are not yet known, but it is likely to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Several environmental factors can trigger the onset of the symptoms of blepharospasm in susceptible individuals, so early diagnosis is critical. Benign essential blepharospasm is difficult to diagnose, so a physician must complete a comprehensive clinical assessment to determine the exact cause. However, electrodiagnosis is an important tool in the diagnosis of blepharospasm.
Bell’s palsy
When you have eye twitching, you may have Bell’s palsy, a disorder that affects the facial muscles. A stroke, for example, would cause weakness throughout the rest of the body. But in contrast, Bell’s palsy is a relatively short-lived condition, and most people will recover completely within three to six months. The disorder is caused by damage to the facial nerve, which passes through a bony area of the skull. The swelling pushes the nerve against the hard surface of the skull, disrupting its function.
Because Bell’s palsy interferes with the eye’s natural ability to blink properly, it may be vulnerable to drying and irritation. Therefore, you must protect the eye from debris or injury, especially at night. To help prevent eye twitching, you should use lubricating drops or eye patches. Some people find that physical therapy and facial massage can help. These methods may provide some short-term improvement, but they do not cure the condition.
Ocular myokymia
Myokymia, also known as eyelid twitching, is a common condition characterized by random, involuntary contractions of the eyelid muscles. The eyelid twitches can last seconds, minutes, or even days. Although they can be harmless, the twitching often indicates underlying neurological disorders. If it persists over a prolonged period, you should see a physician for further evaluation.
Ocular myokymia can be caused by several conditions, including neuromuscular disease, systemic illness, or a genetic condition. Eyelid myokymia is most common among older individuals. Heavy caffeine and drugs intake are also associated with eyelid myokymia. A few patients may experience lid myokymia as a side effect of COVID-19 treatment.
If you have persistent eye twitching, see a doctor to rule out underlying neurological conditions. If your eyelid twitches more than once a day, it could be a sign of Bell’s palsy, a neurological disorder. Your doctor will conduct a thorough physical exam and order imaging of your brain to rule out other medical causes.
Dystonia
Blepharospasm (BEB) is a disorder in which a patient’s eyelids twitch or close without reason. This type of dystonia is associated with other symptoms such as an involuntary grimace and sticking out of the tongue. The disorder is caused by a group of factors, including infection, an allergy or muscle weakness. Dystonia is a condition in which the eyelid muscles become distorted, resulting in pain and uncomfortable positions.
Blepharospasm is a type of dystonia in which abnormal muscle contractions occur. Blepharospasm can affect one or both eyelids and can occur spontaneously or be triggered by stress, caffeine, or fatigue. Treatment for blepharospasm is aimed at controlling the eyelid muscles and relieving the discomfort. In some cases, the condition is accompanied by jaw and tongue dystonia and requires a multidisciplinary approach to treat it.