flickering vision, pulsating eyes

[mommybrks]

I had an anaplastic astrocytoma brain tumor removed Feb 02. MRI's have all been stable and clear since sx,rads and temodar. Tumor location was right side front lobal area, over right eye (forehead area). Last 2 mths I have developed in my left eye a flickering/pulsating eye. You cannot see the lid twitching but everything blinks to me. It happens when I am driving, tired, reading, sparatically. If I cover it up for a sec or two, it stops, but eventually starts again. What can this be? Is it related to the radiation/tumor that I had? thanks for any help.

[olivia740]

A related discussion, eyeball spasm was started.

[popeal]

I am experiencing similar muscular spasm of a muscle attached to my eye ball. It does cause my eye to move. The muscle is located on the bottom right portion of my eye.
I am a boxer and suspect this is related to head trauma.  Any thoughts about this?  Is this a typical sign of head trauma? I am ready to quit boxing because of it.  I can't justify risking my mind and body once I know I have damaged myself. Any thoughts on my condition, or maybe advice if there is any kind of specialist I should see?

[mommybrks]

Thank you for your reply. What I actually meant to call it was muscle spasms and you got it right with the Oblique Myokymia description. That is exactly what happens. I did see my neoursurgeon on Tuesday, he actually saw the eyeball having a spasm and wants me to wait it out until I finish my last Temodar cycle, which is this week. It actually has not "jumped" today. I copied your information on the medication for future reference, should it not go away on its own. It does not hurt, just very aggrevating. Thank you for your posting and comments. Very helpful! God Bless All!

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

Glad that you have done well since your surgery. Without examining you and asking more pointed, detailed questions I'm not quite sure what you mean by flickering and blinking of the left eye without twitching. It's very possible that it's not related to your tumor/rads. There are a number of disorders that may present with similar type symptoms, so you'll have to see if one of these fit with yours.  
1.Superior oblique myokymia: superior oblique is a muscle of the eyeball responsible for moving it within the socket and myokymia refers to fine rippling movements so the whole thing means that the eye muscle quivers with small rapid movements. Typically affects only one side and patient complains that vision is "jumpy" in that eye. Diagnosed by ophthalomogist or neurologist on exam. Can be helped with tegretol, but eventually goes away on its own.
2.Excessive blinking of the eyes called blepharospasm (both eyes involved typically) may be due to multiple reasons such as dryness of the eye, primary eye/cornea problems, systemic problems, etc... May be evaluated by an ophtho. Treated with eye drops and/or botox injections.
3.Primary eye disorder
4.Could be facial myokymia although you don;t complain of any facial involvement. Radiation itself can cause myokymia,, but this is usually found in the limbs rather than face.
5.Seizure (less likely) although involuntary spasms of one side of the face have been known to be the sole manifestations of seizure.

Again, it's hard to say what this is without getting a look at you and knowing more details about what you actually mean.  But with your neurological history, I would certainly give your neurologist a call and let them know what you're experiencing so you can get the appropriate workup. Good luck.