eMedicine Specialties > Ophthalmology > Lid

Eyelid Myokymia: Follow-up

Author: Byron L Lam, MD, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine
Contributor Information and Disclosures

Updated: Apr 14, 2009

Follow-up

Further Outpatient Care

  • Rarely, eyelid myokymia may occur as a precursor of blepharospasm, Meige syndrome, hemifacial spasm, facial myokymia, and spastic-paretic facial contracture.
  • Advise patients to return for reexamination, if there is a change in symptoms.

Deterrence/Prevention

  • If precipitating factors can be identified, avoidance can reduce the frequency of episodes.

Prognosis

  • Prognosis is excellent in most cases.

Patient Education

Miscellaneous

Medicolegal Pitfalls

  • Very rarely, eyelid myokymia progresses to persistent facial myokymia followed by spastic paretic facial contracture. Spastic paretic facial contracture is an important (although uncommon) sign of disease in the dorsal pons, which may be seen in multiple sclerosis and brainstem neoplasms or vascular lesions.
 


More on Eyelid Myokymia

Overview: Eyelid Myokymia
Differential Diagnoses & Workup: Eyelid Myokymia
Treatment & Medication: Eyelid Myokymia
Follow-up: Eyelid Myokymia
References
Further Reading
[ CLOSE WINDOW ]

References

  1. Baldwin MR, Barbieri JT. Association of Botulinum neurotoxins with synaptic vesicle protein complexes. Toxicon. Apr 8 2009;[Medline].

  2. Brin MF. Basic and clinical aspects of BOTOX((R)). Toxicon. Mar 31 2009;[Medline].

  3. Pickett A. Dysport((R)): Pharmacological properties and factors that influence toxin action. Toxicon. Mar 28 2009;[Medline].

  4. Moe ST, Thompson AB, Smith GM, Fredenburg RA, Stein RL, Jacobson AR. Botulinum neurotoxin serotype A inhibitors: small-molecule mercaptoacetamide analogs. Bioorg Med Chem. Apr 15 2009;17(8):3072-9. [Medline].

  5. Capkova K, Salzameda NT, Janda KD. Investigations into small molecule non-peptidic inhibitors of the botulinum neurotoxins. Toxicon. Mar 25 2009;[Medline].

  6. Andermann F, et al. Facial myokymia in multiple sclerosis. Brain. 1961;8:31-44.

  7. Banik R, Miller NR. Chronic myokymia limited to the eyelid is a benign condition. J Neuroophthalmol. Dec 2004;24(4):290-2. [Medline].

  8. Givner I, Jaffe NS. Myokymia of the eyelids; a suggestion as to therapy; preliminary report. Am J Ophthalmol. Jan 1949;32(1):51-5. [Medline].

  9. Krohel GB, Rosenberg PN. Oscillopsia associated with eyelid myokymia. Am J Ophthalmol. Nov 15 1986;102(5):662-3. [Medline].

  10. Lowe R. Facial Twitching. Trans Ophthalmol Soc Aust. 1951;11:129-133.

  11. Reinecke RD. Translated myokymia of the lower eyelid causing uniocular vertical pseudonystagmus. Am J Ophthalmol. Jan 1973;75(1):150-1. [Medline].

  12. Rubin M, Root JD. Electrophysiologic investigation of benign eyelid twitching. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol. Sep 1991;31(6):377-81. [Medline].

  13. Scott AB. Botulinum toxin for blepharospasm. In: Spaeth G, Katz LJ, Parker KW, eds. Current Therapy in Ophthalmic Surgery. Toronto: Decker; 1989:322-324.

  14. Sogg RL, Hoyt WF, Boldrey E. Spastic paretic facial contracture. A rare sign of brain stem tumor. Neurology. Jul 1963;13:607-12. [Medline].

[ CLOSE WINDOW ]

Keywords

eyelid myokymia, eyelid twitching, eyelid jumping, muscle contractions, blepharospasm, Meige syndrome, hemifacial spasm, spastic-paretic facial contracture, botulinum toxin A, BOTOX®, BOTOX® injections

[ CLOSE WINDOW ]

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Byron L Lam, MD, Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami School of Medicine
Byron L Lam, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, and Phi Beta Kappa
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Medical Editor

Ron W Pelton, MD, PhD, Private Practice, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Ron W Pelton, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Colorado Medical Society, Utah Medical Association, and Wilderness Medical Society
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Pharmacy Editor

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Managing Editor

Mark T Duffy, MD, PhD, Consulting Staff, Division of Oculoplastic, Orbito-facial, Lacrimal and Reconstructive Surgery, Green Bay Eye Clinic, BayCare Clinic; Medical Director, Advanced Cosmetic Solutions, A BayCare Clinic
Mark T Duffy, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sigma Xi, and Society for Neuroscience
Disclosure: Allergan - Botox Cosmetic Consulting fee Consulting; Quest medical - lacrimal balloons Honoraria Speaking and teaching; Ortho-Neutrogenia Consulting fee Consulting

CME Editor

Lance L Brown, OD, MD, Ophthalmologist, Affiliated With Freeman Hospital and St John's Hospital, Regional Eye Center, Joplin, Missouri
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Hampton Roy Sr, MD, Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Hampton Roy Sr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

 
 
HONcode

We subscribe to the
HONcode principles of the
Health On the Net Foundation

All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright© 1994- by Medscape.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.

DISCLAIMER: The content of this Website is not influenced by sponsors. The site is designed primarily for use by qualified physicians and other medical professionals. The information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of an appropriately qualified and licensed physician or other health care provider. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please check with a physician if you suspect you are ill.