Blepharospasm treatment in London
What is blepharospasm?
Blepharospasm is a rare neurological disorder characterized by involuntary spasms and contractions of the muscles in the eyelids. This can cause abnormal and excessive blinking, as well as involuntary winking. Other symptoms associated with blepharospasm include eye irritation and sensitivity to bright light. In some cases, the condition can be made worse by dry eye, and artificial tears may be recommended to help manage the symptoms. The cause of blepharospasm is unknown, and it is classified as a focal dystonia, a group of movement disorders.
What other conditions are associated with it?
Meige syndrome is a rare movement disorder characterized by spasms of the eyelids, jaw, and tongue. It is particularly common in those who suffer from Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disorder that affects movement. Additionally, there may be an association between Meige syndrome and Myasthenia Gravis, a condition that affects the muscles.
How is the condition diagnosed?
Diagnosis of Meige syndrome can be challenging, as it can present similarly to simple eyelid twitches or hemifacial spasms. An oculoplastic ophthalmologist or neurologist can confirm the diagnosis after a consultation. Electrodiagnostic tests may also be used to verify the presence of the condition.
Does blepharospasm go away?
At present, there is no known cure for blepharospasm. Botox or botulinum toxin injections into the muscles of the eyelids are a common treatment for benign essential blepharospasm (primary blepharospasm) and are generally effective. Oral medications may help in some cases, but their effectiveness is variable. However, a surgical procedure called a myectomy, in which the nerves and muscles of the eyelids are removed, is rarely used and has been found to improve symptoms in 70% of severe cases of muscle spasm.
How do you develop this?
Blepharospasm is an abnormal movement disorder caused by dysfunction in the part of the brain that controls the muscles. It is thought to be an inherited condition and not contagious or caused by an infection. While no specific genes have been identified as being related to this disorder, it is believed that genetic factors may be involved.
What medications cause blepharospasm?
Medication-induced spasms are a subtype of blepharospasm. This can be caused by certain medications such as antihistamines, calcium channel blockers, serotonin reuptake inhibitors, dopaminergic agents, neuroleptic drugs, and noradrenaline. To make sure that any medications you are taking are not contributing to your involuntary movements, it is important to discuss your medication history with your doctor. Your doctor will also assess your eyes and may conduct a neurological examination. Doing so can help to ensure that you are not taking any medications that can be contributing to your symptoms.
What does the twitching feel like?
People with blepharospasm may experience frequent, involuntary blinking and eyelid closure, difficulty keeping the eyes open or difficulty opening the eyes, and a sensation of constant squinting, pain around the eyes, or a feeling of tension or eyelid heaviness. These symptoms can be disruptive and impair vision.
Is this condition a disability?
In rare and severe cases, the muscle contractions caused by blepharospasm can lead to vision impairment and even functional blindness. This condition can have a significant impact on your ability to drive or work, which can be disabling. It is important to note that the UK’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) classifies blepharospasm as a notifiable condition, meaning that you must inform them of your diagnosis if you intend to drive. Failure to do so can lead to a fine.
How common is it?
Benign essential blepharospasm is more common in women than men and typically develops in people in their mid-50s. On average, it affects 5 out of every 100,000 people in the general population.
What causes the twitching twitching?
Twitching or involuntary movements are caused by irregular signals from the brain that govern muscle movement. It is believed to originate from the basal ganglia, but there is growing evidence that other sections of the cerebral cortex may also be involved.
Where do you inject botox to treat this?
Botulinum toxin injections can be used to reduce the symptoms of blepharospasm, a condition characterized by involuntary eyelid muscle spasms. The injections are administered directly into the muscles of the eyelids, causing them to relax and reducing the severity of the condition.
Clinical trials have shown that these injections can be highly effective in treating blepharospasm, with patients reporting noticeable improvement after receiving the injections.
The frequency of treatments varies from patient to patient, with some needing them more frequently while others may only need them every 4-6 months.
Allergic reactions to the injections are rare, but they can occasionally cause bruising, swelling, or double vision, which usually resolves over time.
Is blepharospasm the same as hemifacial spasm?
Blepharospasm is an involuntary movement disorder caused by abnormal signals from the part of the brain that controls movement. This type of dystonia is known as a focal dystonia, and it is thought to originate in the area of the brain known as the basal ganglia. Other forms of dystonia include cervical dystonia, which affects the neck, and oromandibular dystonia or cranial dystonia, which affects the mouth.
These conditions are distinct from hemifacial spasm, which is believed to be caused by an abnormality or compression of an artery on the facial nerve, leading to twitching around the eye and mouth.