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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) of Eye Twitching - Blepharospasm


Q: Which doctor should be consulted for eye twitching or blepharospasm?

A: Ophthalmologist should be consulted as they treat the conditions.

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Q: What are Botulinum toxinor Botox injections?

A: Botox is Botulinum toxin. Botulinum toxin is a protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, and is extremely neurotoxic. When injected into the muscles it temporarily weakens them. It is the most effective and recommended therapy for blepharospasm. Injections are generally administered every three months, with variations based on patient response. It usually gives almost immediate relief of symptoms from the muscle spasms.

Q:  Will the Botulinum toxin (Botox) injection make me absolutely normal?

A: The response to these injections is good. It may differ in different patients depending on their severity of spasms.

Q: How is the Botulinum toxin (Botox) injection given? Is it painful?

A: Botulinum toxin is injected using a very fine needle. There is momentary pricking sensation with not much of pain. They are given around the eye directly into muscles that are contracting excessively. Effects of the treatment are seen within about 3 days of treatment and the maximum effect is often achieved 2-3 weeks after injection. Its effect gradually decreases and have to be usually re injected after 3 months.

Q: What are the side effects of Botulinum toxin (Botox) injections?

A: Side effects are mild and of short duration. The most prominent among them is drooping of the lids.

Q: Do drugs help benign essential blepharospasm?

A: Drugs like baclofen have been used with not much of success as the side effects exceed at beneficial dosage.

Q: Can benign essential blepharospasm be inherited?

A: It is possible that there may be some predisposition, but it is not proven.

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