UNIlateral blepharospasm
Unilateral blepharospasm is the occurrence in one eyelid as opposed to both eyelids being bilateral. Unilateral blepharospasm is also referred to as Hemi-Facial Spasm.
Hemifacial spasm is a unilateral (one side of the face), involuntary contraction of the facial muscles. It usually begins with a twitching around one eye. At this stage, it can be, and very
often is, misdiagnosed as benign essential blepharospasm. The twitching and contraction of the facial muscles slowly progresses and advances down the face to include the muscles of the cheek, the mouth, and the neck. Rarely are the muscles above the eyebrow involved. In atypical hemifacial spasm, the onset of spasm starts in or around the mouth/lip area rather than in the eye area. It is not a form of focal dystonia and is, in most cases, curable through surgery.
Hemifacial spasm is believed to be caused by a small arterial loop pressed against the seventh (facial) nerve where it exits the brain stem. In rare cases, it can be caused by a small tumor or aneurysm compressing the nerve. An MRI is run to rule out these rare causes.
Treatments that are often recommended include drug therapy, injections, microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery. In this surgical procedure, using microsurgical techniques, the surgeon places a pad between the nerve and the blood vessel in an attempt to inhibit the cause of the spasm.
Over 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with blepharospasm, which includes excessive blinking. Because I wanted relief from the blinking, I tried eyelid injections. What I received was some relief along with a change in my smile. After two treatments, I discontinued having the injections. Later, I found a nutritional program that nourished my body and brain and helped to improve the quality of my life. After six months, my symptoms were dramatically alleviated and I was no longer blinking excessively. Now that I am better, my desire is to help others find relief.
often is, misdiagnosed as benign essential blepharospasm. The twitching and contraction of the facial muscles slowly progresses and advances down the face to include the muscles of the cheek, the mouth, and the neck. Rarely are the muscles above the eyebrow involved. In atypical hemifacial spasm, the onset of spasm starts in or around the mouth/lip area rather than in the eye area. It is not a form of focal dystonia and is, in most cases, curable through surgery.
Hemifacial spasm is believed to be caused by a small arterial loop pressed against the seventh (facial) nerve where it exits the brain stem. In rare cases, it can be caused by a small tumor or aneurysm compressing the nerve. An MRI is run to rule out these rare causes.
Treatments that are often recommended include drug therapy, injections, microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery. In this surgical procedure, using microsurgical techniques, the surgeon places a pad between the nerve and the blood vessel in an attempt to inhibit the cause of the spasm.
Over 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with blepharospasm, which includes excessive blinking. Because I wanted relief from the blinking, I tried eyelid injections. What I received was some relief along with a change in my smile. After two treatments, I discontinued having the injections. Later, I found a nutritional program that nourished my body and brain and helped to improve the quality of my life. After six months, my symptoms were dramatically alleviated and I was no longer blinking excessively. Now that I am better, my desire is to help others find relief.
Get Help for Your Unilateral Blepharospasm
Steve Zarren, President
Feel Better LLC
If you have Unilateral Blepharospasm, or know someone who does, give me a call. I will share with you how I am helping people improve their quality of life. My phone number is (410) 486-2525 or (410) 790-9606 cell phone. Call between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM EST, seven days a week or fill out
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