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blepharospasm
Spastic eyelid closure.
Etiology:
- may be voluntary as in infantile glaucoma
- may have genetic basis
Pathology:
- primary focal dystonia affecting the orbicularis oculi muscles
Genetics:
- implicated genes
- DRD5
Clinical manifestations:
- usually begins in middle age
- initial symptoms include eye irritation & frequent blinking, progressing to involuntary spasms of eyelid closure
Complications:
- in severe cases, can result in functional blindness
Management:
1) Botox injections
2) myectomy
3) alternative treatments of unproven benefit
a) biofeedback
b) acupuncture
c) hypnosis
d) chiropractic
e) nutritional therapy
General
muscle spasm
Database Correlations
OMIM 606798
References
- Saunders Manual of Medical Practice, Rakel (ed),
WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1996, pg 68
- NINDS Benign Essential Blepharospasm Information Page
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Benign-Essential-Blepharospasm-Information-Page