Botox Injection For Migraines Specialist

What is blepharospasm?

Blepharospasm is a neurological condition that causes involuntary blinking or muscle spasms in the eyelids. This abnormal functionality is often due to dysfunction in the basal ganglia, the area of your brain that controls muscle movements.

For some, blepharospasm can develop because of an underlying medical condition, such as cerebral palsy or Parkinson’s disease. In other cases, blepharospasm develops without any known cause.

What are the symptoms of blepharospasm?

Symptoms of blepharospasm can occur without warning, starting with an increase in general eye irritation, with eyes feeling dry and itchy. Blepharospasm also causes an increase in involuntary blinking.

In addition to abnormal blinking, you may also notice an increased sensitivity to bright lights. For some, emotional stress and physical fatigue are also side effects of blepharospasm. The condition’s symptoms may be less noticeable during sleep or times of extreme focus.

As blepharospasm progresses, your symptoms become more frequent and can evolve into involuntary movements of your facial muscles. In the most severe cases, the condition can cause your eyelids to close up, essentially rendering you blind.

What are the treatment options for blepharospasm?

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your provider at The Center for Neurology and Neurophysiology may recommend oral medications to reduce the occurrence of spasms.

Even with medication therapies and periods of remission, symptoms of blepharospasm typically return and ultimately may require surgery.

Before resorting to surgery, you may want to explore the benefits of minimally invasive Botox injections.

How do Botox injections treat blepharospasm?

Botox works by temporarily paralyzing the muscles and nerves in your eyelids to reduce spasms. Injections can alleviate spasms and blinking for several months before additional injections are necessary.

With a significant reduction in involuntary spasms and blinking, you can improve your ability to see during your usual activities, especially driving a car or working on a computer.

Treating blepharospasm with Botox offers long-term results for many people, who can safely return to work and other hobbies without visual impairments.

To learn more about Botox as a treatment option for blepharospasm, book a consultation online or by calling The Center for Neurology and Neurophysiology office nearest you.