User:Mr. Ibrahem/Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm is eyelid movement, such as blinding or twitching, that is not controllable. Often it is gradual in onset and in severe cases may result in closure of the eye. Both eyes are generally affected. It may be short or long-term in duration. It may be associated with twitching of other parts of the face.

The cause in unknown. Risk factors include family history and it is occasionally associated with eye trauma. It may also occur as part of certain conditions such as tardive dyskinesia, Wilson disease, and parkinsonism. Emotional stress, tiredness, or bright lights may worsen the condition. It is a type of focal dystonia. Diagnosis is based on the symptoms.

While there is no cure, botulinum toxin injections may help temporarily. Other measures that may help include getting sufficient sleeping and lowering caffeine use. Surgery to remove the eyelid muscle may occasionally be carried out.

Blepharospasm affected about one in 20,000 people in the United States. Women are more commonly affected than men. The typical age of onset is 40 to 60 years old. The condition has been described since at least the 1870s.