blepharospasm

[blef´ah-ro-spaz″m] spasm of the orbicular muscle of the eyelid.

bleph·a·ro·spasm

, blepharospasmus (blef'ă-rō-spazm', -spaz'mŭs), Involuntary spasmodic contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle; may occur in isolation or be associated with other dystonic contractions of facial, jaw, or neck muscles; usually initiated or aggravated by emotion, fatigue, or drugs.

blepharospasm

(blĕf′ə-rō-spăz′əm)n. Spasmodic winking caused by the involuntary contraction of an eyelid muscle.

blepharospasm

A focal dystonia consisting of involuntary twitching of one or both eyelids; the spasms may completely close the eyelids which, with time, causes functional blindness even if the vision is normal.

Clinical findings
Blinking or spasms of the eyelids, dry eyes, photosensitivity.
Aetiology
Emotional stress, sleep deprivation or use of stimulants—e.g., amphetamines, caffeine, nicotine, decongestants.
Management
Botulinum toxin (Botox), surgery (protractor myomectory), dark glasses for photosensitivity.

blepharospasm

Neurology A focal dystonia consisting of the involuntary twitching of one or both eyelids; the spasms may completely close the eyelids, causing functional blindness even if the vision is normal Etiology Related to emotional stress, sleep deprivation or use of stimulants–eg, amphetamines, caffeine, nicotine, decongestants

bleph·a·ro·spasm

, blepharospasmus (blef'ă-rō-spazm, -spaz'mŭs) Involuntary spasmodic contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle.

blepharospasm

Uncontrollable winking or sustained tight closure of the eyes caused by involuntary contraction of the flat eyelid muscle under the skin. Blepharospasm may result from a sharp foreign body in the eye or a corneal ulcer, but also occurs as a psychologically induced TIC. Botulinum toxin has been found useful in this condition.

blepharospasm

Tonic or chronic spasm of the orbicularis oculi muscle which involves involuntary closure of the eyelids. It is often provoked by a foreign body in the eye, an abrasion or inflammation of the cornea or conjunctiva, or by excessive exposure to ultraviolet light (e.g. actinic keratoconjunctivitis). Treatment consists chiefly of injection into the muscles around the eyelids of botulinum toxin. See botulinum toxin; chemodenervation; actinic keratoconjunctivitis; orbicularis muscle.

bleph·a·ro·spasm

, blepharospasmus (blef'ă-rō-spazm, -spaz'mŭs) Involuntary spasmodic contraction of the orbicularis oculi muscle; may occur in isolation or be associated with other dystonic contractions of facial, jaw, or neck muscles.

Patient discussion about blepharospasm

Q. eyelids what causes your eye lids too twitch? my left eye lid has been twitching on and off for about a week what causes it and how can i get it to stop.A. Not an answer, just another question - how long can this go on? My eyelid has been twitching, (likely lack of sleep) for almost a month now. Any treatment that I should seek?

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Words related to blepharospasm

noun spasm of the eyelid muscle resulting in closure of the eye

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