0 movement of the eyelid that cannot be controlled, where the eyelid closes tightly and makes sudden small movements --
Some blepharospasm patients have a history of dry eyes and/or light sensitivity, but others report no previous eye problems before onset of initial symptoms.
In addition, chronic use of benzodiazepines is a risk factor for blepharospasm.
However, benzodiazepines such as diazepam can be used for their muscle-relaxant properties to alleviate pain caused by muscle spasms and various dystonias, including blepharospasm.
Blepharospasm may lead to embarrassment in social situations, and oromandibular dystonia can affect speech, making it difficult to carry on the simplest conversations.
Blepharospasm can also be a symptom of acute withdrawal from benzodiazepine dependence.
Facial nerve avulsion is used to treat the involuntary twitching involved in benign essential blepharospasm.
Although strides have recently been made in early diagnosis, blepharospasm is often initially mis-diagnosed as allergies or dry eye syndrome.
The benign essential blepharospasm is a focal dystoniaa neurological movement disorder involving involuntary and sustained contractions of the muscles around the eyes.
