Re: twitching

Posted By CCF neuro MD MM on March 05, 1999 at 12:55:03:

In Reply to: twitching posted by Dan on March 05, 1999 at 12:17:30:






I have always experienced mild twitching or spasms in my arms and legs, sometimes in my upper lip and temples, and much more infrequently in my eyes.  However, my left eye has been twitching like crazy for the last week or so.  Since it is not painful, I have used eye wash and tried to ignore it but it is driving me crazy!  I know from searching your site that there are potentially several factors for this and I think that it is most likely just fatigue or stress, but I was wondering if there is any kind of treatment available other than rest.  I also am curious as to how long I should let this go on before I should seek some assistance.  I had an eye exam a few months ago that was perfect, so I would feel a bit silly going to a doctor over something that appears to be nothing.
Thanks!




The symptom you describe sounds like myokymia which is a spontaneous
twitching of the eyelids and muscles surrounding the eye.
It usuallu affects only one eye and is not associated with serious
underlying disease.
A new means of treating this condition is by injections of BOTOX in to
the muscles around the eye, which causes them to relax and prevents this
constant twitching.
I would advise you to see a neurologist to have this annoying problem
evaluated, it is certainly worth having it sorted out and help is
available.