What is the Cause? What is the DMRF? Blepharospasm What is Blepharospasm? The cause of is not known at The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Blepharospasm is a form of dystonia, this time. Scientists believe dystonia (DMRF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization DYSTONIA OF THE a neurological . symptoms result from improper signals that has served the dystonia community since EYES & BROW Blepharospasm produces patterned, in the that cause muscles 1976. The DMRF funds medical research toward repetitive muscle contractions in the to contract involuntarily. Researchers and a cure, promotes awareness and education, and eyelid and brow muscles. This results in doctors do not yet fully understand the supports the well being of affected individuals increased blinking and involuntary closing neurological mechanisms that cause this and families. of the eyes. People with blepharospasm abnormal muscle contraction. have normal vision, but the forced closure The DMRF can put you in touch with others of the eyelids or repetitive blinking may Blepharospasm may be primary (meaning with dystonia for networking and support. interfere with sight. This sight impairment that it is the only apparent neurological can affect walking, driving, reading, and disorder a person has, with or without other everyday activities. a family history), or be brought on by To learn more about dystonia secondary causes such as physical trauma. and the DMRF, contact: Blepharospasm may be referred to as a Dystonia Medical “cranial dystonia.” Cranial dystonia is a Primary blepharospasm may develop Research Foundation broad description for any dystonia that spontaneously with no known family One East Wacker Drive, Suite 2810 affects the face and head. Chicago, Illinois 60601-1905 history or may be inherited. Some Phone: 312-755-0198 people with blepharospasm have family Toll free: 800-377-DYST (3978) members with dystonia affecting different Email: [email protected] body areas. Web: www.dystonia-foundation.org

Secondary blepharospasm may occur Special thanks to Aleksandar Videnovic, MD, MSc due to drug exposure, brain injury, or of Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine in association with disorders such as for reviewing this publication. parkinsonian syndromes and Wilson’s disease.

© Dystonia Medical Research Foundation 2010 Are There Different Forms Oral medications—including clonazepam, How is This Going to Affect What Kind of Doctor or Varieties? lorazepam, and trihexyphenidyl—are helpful My Daily Life? Treats Blepharospasm? Blepharospasm is a particular form of dystonia. in some cases. Living successfully with blepharospasm is The kind of doctor who is typically qualified As described above, blepharospasm may be possible. The early stages of onset, diagnosis, to diagnose and treat blepharospasm is a primary or secondary. Symptoms vary from If botulinum neurotoxin injections and and seeking effective treatment are often the neurologist who specializes in movement mild blinking to sustained, forced closure of medications are not effective, myectomy most challenging. The symptoms may vary disorders. Certain ophthalmologists and the eyes. surgery in which portions of muscle are from mild to severe, and symptoms often neuro-ophthalmologists may also treat removed may also alleviate symptoms in fluctuate from day to day. Individuals must blepharospasm. When blepharospasm occurs with dystonia in some patients. Botulinum neurotoxin learn to adapt to the changes in vision or the face or jaw (oromandibular dystonia), the injections may or may not be required reduced vision due to eye closure, and this Diagnosis of blepharospasm is based on term Meige’s syndrome may be used. In such following myectomy surgery. may require learning new ways to do daily information from the affected individual cases, of the eyelids are accompanied by activities. and the physical and neurological examination. jaw clenching or mouth opening, grimacing , Many individuals find personal tricks and At this time, there is no test to confirm and/or tongue movements. techniques that lessen symptoms. These Individuals living with blepharospasm are diagnosis of blepharospasm, and in most may include wearing sunglasses (especially strongly encouraged to: cases assorted laboratory tests are normal. oversized wrap or shield styles) to reduce What Treatments are Available? • Seek out the best medical care. light sensitivity, rubbing the eyelids, speaking, Blepharospasm should not be confused • Educate yourself about dystonia and One of the most effective treatments and/or placing the hand to the face. with conditions such as ptosis, blepharitis, treatment options. for blepharospasm is regular botulinum or hemifacial . neurotoxin injections to the affected muscles. • Develop a multi-layered support system It is unfortunate that a therapy that has How is This Likely to Change of support groups, online resources, or Progress Over Time? improved the lives of countless individuals friends, family, and mental health What Support is Available? with blepharospasm and other Symptoms of blepharospasm may begin with professionals, if needed. The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation cannot shed the term “toxin” from its name. increased blinking due to light sensitivity or a • Investigate complementary therapies. (www.dystonia-foundation.org) can provide Understandably, this idea of injecting a sensation of irritation in the eye. Blepharospasm • Get active within the dystonia comm unity. educational resources, self-help opportunities, “toxin” into the body may cause concern. almost always affects both eyes, but may begin contact with others living with blepharospasm, in one eye. Symptoms may progress slowly. volunteer opportunities, and connection to the Botulinum neurotoxin injections have Symptoms are typically worsened by stress greater dystonia community. The Foundation decades of research demonstrating that and may improve after sleep. Some individuals offers support groups throughout the country they are a safe and effective medical therapy. develop sensory tricks to temporarily relieve and online social forums. Botulinum neurotoxin has been approved symptoms such as gently touching the face, for use in the United States since 1989. rubbing the eyes, or speaking. Injections for blepharospasm were among the earliest medical uses.