Involuntary, abnormal blinking, eyelid tic or spasm of the eyelids is blepharospasm. It is also called as hemifacial spasm and benign essential blepharospasm. Individuals with this disorder have normal eyes. This eye condition may cease or decrease when a person sleeps or concentrates on a specific task. This articles gives information about causes, symptoms and treatment for hemifacial spasm.
Individuals with this disorder have normal eyes but their vision may get disturbed because of the force closure of the lids.
Causes of Blepharospasm
The exact cause is not known. However, often it is associated with dry eyes, tardive dyskinesia and Tourette’s syndrome.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of hemifacial spasm include:
- Sensitivity to light
- Fatigue
- Gradual increase in eye irritation or blinking
- Facial spasms
Treatment
- There is no proper cure for hemifacial spasm, although many treatment options can reduce the severity of this disease.
- In the Canada and United States, the Oculinum injection (Botox or botulinum toxin) is given to the eyelid muscles. Bacterium Clostridium botulinum produces botulinum toxin, which paralyzes the eyelid muscles.
- Medications to be taken orally (by mouth) are available for hemifacial spasm but usually they produce unpredictable results. Usually, any symptom relief is short term and may be helpful in 15 percent of the cases only.
- Myectomy is a surgical procedure in which some of the nerves and muscles of the eyelids are removed. This is also one of the treatment option available for hemifacial spasm. This surgery has helped to improve symptoms of blepharospasm in about 75 to 85 percent individuals.
- Alternative treatments may involve acupuncture, chiropractic, nutritional therapy, hypnosis and biofeedback.
Keep Track on Your Condition
Keeping track on your disease makes the treatment little easy and also increase the chance of its success. It also lowers risk of complications. It is better todiscuss your treatment options and condition with your physician.
