Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm
There are different types of eyelid spasms. Some are self-limited, causing only mild eyelid twitching, and often resolving spontaneously. Others are not problematic per se, but can be the signal that a patient may be developing a serious neurologic disorder. Another serious type is called Benign Essential Blepharospasm. This disease is benign only in the sense that a thorough neuro-ophthalmologic workup proved that there was not a cancer or other serious nervous system disease causing the spasms; it is anything but benign in terms of a patient's lifestyle. The associated spasm is an involuntary closure of both eyelids, and attacks last from seconds to minutes with variable periods of relaxation between episodes. It may also be associated with other spasms of the face. Benign Essential Blepharospasm may start with seemingly innocuous winking, blinking or pinching of the face and may cause little or no concern initially. Over time the spasms progress until they cause forceful closure of the eyes, interfering with vision. Imagine the danger of this if it occurs to someone who is driving, operating power tools, or doing delicate work! These spasms can become so severe that they could limit a patient from carrying out his daily activities. Treatment is available, however. Injections of a muscle relaxant called Botox can decrease the intensity and frequency of attacks and one series of injections can have lasting effects for months, allowing patients to resume a normal lifestyle.