Eyelid Myokymia 

  • Author: Byron L Lam, MD; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy Sr, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jun 30, 2011
 

Background

Myokymia is the spontaneous, fine fascicular contractions of muscle without muscular atrophy or weakness. Eyelid myokymia typically involves the orbicularis oculi muscle of one of the lower eyelids; occasionally, one of the upper eyelids can be affected. In most cases, eyelid myokymia is benign, self-limited, and not associated with any disease. Intervention is usually unnecessary. Rarely, eyelid myokymia may occur as a precursor of hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm, Meige syndrome, and spastic-paretic facial contracture.

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Pathophysiology

The pathophysiology of typical eyelid myokymia is not well understood. The focus of irritation is most likely the nerve fibers within the muscle. Pontine dysfunction in the region of the facial nerve nucleus also has been implicated. Possible precipitating factors include stress, fatigue, and excessive caffeine or alcohol intake.

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Epidemiology

Frequency

United States

The incidence and prevalence of eyelid myokymia are unknown, but symptoms of eyelid myokymia are not infrequently encountered in the ophthalmic clinic.

Mortality/Morbidity

Eyelid myokymia is a benign and self-limited condition in most patients.

Age

Eyelid myokymia may occur at any age.

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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.

Specialty Editor Board

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 College of Surgeons, American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, AO Foundation, and Colorado Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD  Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

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 Honoraria Speaking and teaching

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.

References

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