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Essential Blepharospasm Research Paper

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Benign Essential Blepharospasm, Adult Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) is a nervous system condition that makes a person close his or her eyes without meaning to. The blinking may gradually become more frequent and forceful, and eventually involve both eyes. This can make it hard for you to keep your eyes open and do activities such as watching television or reading. Without treatment, the eyes may close forcefully for long periods of time. CAUSES The exact cause of BEB is not known. BEB may be passed down through families through an abnormal gene. BEB symptoms may be triggered by: • The wind. • Sunlight. • Movement. • Noise. • Stress. • Fatigue. • Bright light. • Reading. • Driving. • Walking outside. • Watching …show more content…

You may get temporary relief from your symptoms when you sing, yawn, chew, or laugh. Later symptoms of BEB include: • Prolonged winking and squinting. • Muscle spasms of the tongue and jaw (Meige syndrome). • Inability to open the eyes for long periods of time. Over time, symptoms may get stronger and last longer. DIAGNOSIS This condition is diagnosed based on your symptoms and medical history, as well as a physical exam. TREATMENT There is no cure for BEB. Treatment aims to manage symptoms. No single treatment is right for all people with BEB. Work with your health care provider to find the best treatment for your you. Treatment options include: • Moisturizing eye drops (artificial tears) to help eye irritation. • An injection of botulinum toxin into the muscles that control the movement of the eyelids. The injection blocks signals between the nerves and muscles. This treatment may need to be repeated every few months. • Mediciness such as muscle relaxants and anti-anxiety medicines. • Surgery to remove part of the eyelid muscles (myectomy). This may be done if injections of botulinum toxin do not work or they stop working. HOME CARE

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