What is the DMRF? What is Blepharospasm? The Medical Research Foundation Blepharospasm is a form of dystonia, a (DMRF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization . Blepharospasm causes that has served the dystonia community since involuntary muscle contractions in the 1976. The DMRF funds medical research toward Blepharospasm eyelid and brow muscles. The repetitive a cure, promotes awareness and education, and DYSTONIA OF THE muscle contractions may be subtle and supports the well being of affected individuals result in mild blinking, or more robust and families. EYES & BROW and cause sustained, forced closure of the eyes. People with blepharospasm have The DMRF can put you in touch with others normal vision, but the forced closure with dystonia for networking and support. of the eyelids may interfere with sight.

To learn more about dystonia How do Symptoms Change or and the DMRF, contact: Progress Over Time? Symptoms of blepharospasm may begin with Dystonia Medical increased blinking, light sensitivity, a sensation Research Foundation of eye irritation or dry eyes, or a foreign body One East Wacker Drive, Suite 1730 sensation. Blepharospasm almost always affects Chicago, Illinois 60601-1980 both eyes, but may begin in one eye. Symptoms Phone: 312-755-0198 are typically worsened by stress and may improve Toll free: 800-377-DYST (3978) after sleep. Some individuals discover “sensory Email: [email protected] tricks” which are movements or gestures that Web: www.dystonia-foundation.org temporarily relieve symptoms such as gently Connect with the DMRF on Facebook, touching the face, rubbing the eyes, or speaking. Twitter, and YouTube

What is the Cause? Special thanks to Andres Deik, MD Experts believe dystonia results from excessive for reviewing the content of this brochure. signals arising from the brain that cause muscles to contract inappropriately. However, the exact reason why the brain delivers these excessive signals is not completely understood.

Blepharospasm may result from drug exposure, brain injury, or disorders such as parkinsonian syndromes and Wilson’s disease. In many cases, there is no identifiable cause.

© Dystonia Medical Research Foundation 2017 Are There Different Types? Oral medications—including clonazepam, What Kind of Doctor Blepharospasm may occur in association with lorazepam, and trihexyphenidyl—can be Treats Blepharospasm? dystonia of the face or jaw (oromandibular helpful in select cases. The type of doctor that is typically trained dystonia) in what is known as Meige’s syndrome . to diagnose and treat blepharospasm and other In such cases, of the eyelids are accom - In cases that do not respond to other treatments, is a neurologist with special training in panied by jaw clenching or mouth opening, myectomy surgery in which portions of muscle movement disorders, often called a movement grimacing, and/or tongue movements. are removed may be attempted. However, disorder specialist. Neuro-ophthalmologists, injections may still be needed ophthalmologists , and other health care providers What Treatments are Available? following the surgery, and the procedure’s may also diagnose and treat blepharospasm, The most effective treatment for ble - benefits may not be permanent. depending on their training and experience. pharospasm is regular botulinum neurotoxin Individuals are encouraged to confirm that injections to the affected muscles. Although Accessories that may lessen symptoms include the health care professionals they consult have a medication with the word “toxin” in it may dark glasses (particularly wrap-around style sun specific training and experience in treating seem confusing, botulinum neurotoxin injections glasses with additional side coverage), frames blepharospasm. have decades of research and clinical experience with FL-41 tinted lenses, or eyelid crutches. demonstrating that they are safe and the most The diagnosis of blepharospasm relies on the effective therapy available. Botulinum neuro - How is This Going to Affect ability of a qualified healthcare professional toxin has been approved for use in the United My Daily Life? to recognize the symptoms and rule out other States since 1989, and has improved the lives Living well with blepharospasm is possible. possibilities. Blepzharospasm should not be of countless individuals with dystonia. The early stages of onset, diagnosis, and seeking confused with conditions such as ptosis, effective treatment are often the most challenging . blepharitis, or hemifacial . Botulinum neurotoxin injections for The symptoms may vary from mild to severe, blepharospasm typically include multiple and symptoms often fluctuate from day to day. What Support is Available? injection sites applied around the eyes and Individuals must learn to adapt to the changes The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation brows. The most common side effects from in vision or reduced vision due to eye closure, (DMRF) can provide educational resources, the injections are the development of droopy and this may require learning new ways to do self-help opportunities, contact with others eyelids or double vision, both of which are daily activities. living with blepharospasm, volunteer oppor- temporary. Although injections are administered tunities, and connection to the greater with an extremely fine needle, ecchymosis Individuals living with blepharospasm are strongl y dystonia community. (“black eyes”) may rarely occur because the encouraged to: delicate tissues surrounding the eyes bruise • Seek out the best medical care. easily. This typically resolves within days, • Learn about dystonia and treatment options. with minimal treatment such as cold or warm • Develop a multi-layered support system of compresses. In experienced hands, botulinum support groups, online resources, friends, family , neurotoxin injections have extremely low and mental health professionals, if needed. incidences of side effects. • Investigate complementary therapies. • Get active within the dystonia community.