Is myokymia serious?

Myokymia is spontaneous contracture of the eyelid muscles, usually the orbicularis oculi muscle. Myokymia is usually unilateral (one eye only) and more often involves the lower eyelid instead of the upper. The condition is not serious and is usually self limiting.

What is myokymia a symptom of?

Eyelid myokymia is described as continuous and fine contractions that affect lower eyelid mainly. The causes of this condition are not well known, but it is associated with stress, fatigue, and caffeine intake. Management includes conservative measures with rest, reassurance, and decreased caffeine consumption.

What does myokymia feel like?

An eyelid twitch, or myokymia, is a repetitive, involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles. A twitch usually occurs in the upper lid, but it can occur in both the upper and lower lids. For most people, these spasms are mild and feel like a gentle tug on the eyelid.

Should I be worried about myokymia?

An eye/eyelid twitch (myokymia), is an involuntary, repeated spasm of the eyelid muscle. It can occur in the upper or lower lids. It is usually harmless and resolves without any treatment. The twitching or spasms are usually very mild and feel like a gentle tug or flickering of the eyelid.

How long does myokymia last?

Myokymia occurs cyclically seemingly arising at times of increased stress. Patients may be aware or unaware of their body’s emotional fluctuations, physical fatigue or illness. The episodes are transient, lasting from one to 10 minutes and can occur one time or multiple times during the day for weeks to months.

Is myokymia caused by stress?

Myokymia of the lid is a unilateral and uncontrollable lid twitch or tic that is not caused by disease or pathology. Myokymia is thought to be brought on by stress and other similar issues and resolves on its own with time. It usually involves the lower eyelid and is self-limiting to a few days or a week.

What is the treatment for myokymia?

When symptoms are severe, local subcutaneous botulinum toxin A (BOTOX®) injections of 2.5-5 units each to the affected eyelid region provide relief for 12-18 weeks. If the upper eyelid is involved, the injections should not be placed near the levator palpebrae; otherwise, ptosis lasting weeks will result.

Is myokymia common?

Eyelid twitching (myokymia) affects only the eyelid. This type of twitch or spasm is very common and happens to most people at one time or another. It can involve either the upper or lower lid, but usually only one eye at a time.

How common is myokymia?

Eyelid twitching (myokymia) affects only the eyelid. This type of twitch or spasm is very common and happens to most people at one time or another. It can involve either the upper or lower lid, but usually only one eye at a time. The eye twitching can range from barely noticeable to bothersome.