Blepharospasm means valve spasm. As a result of involuntary eyelid contractions, the person’s eyelids cannot open. Initially, the lid movements, which seem like a tic, become progressively progressive and become painful by spreading to both eyes, unilateral facial, jaw and lip muscles (hemifacial spasm), then to the chin and neck region (Meige syndrome). Most of the time, no obvious cause of these contractions can be found, but it is absolutely necessary to investigate intracranial lesions and to perform radiological tests in necessary cases. Treatment is difficult but possible. Botox treatment is the most commonly used method in this table. Effective improvement can be achieved with Botox, which is applied at appropriate doses in appropriate places. In cases that cannot be corrected with Botox, surgically removing the contracting muscles and lifting the lids are effective in the recovery of the patient.
Dr. The 3 most frequently asked questions to Onur Konuk about Blepharospasm Botox and surgical treatment:
1. Is Botox the definitive treatment for blepharospasm?
In most cases of blepharopasm, hemifacial spasm, the cause cannot be found (essential). For this reason, treatment is applied for the clinical finding, that is, the result of the disease, not the cause. Botox used in this disease is a neurotoxin that inhibits muscle contraction. When applied in appropriate conditions and doses, there is no harm to the body and eyes. Botox treatment is repeated in 3-4 monthly periods. This is because the drug is excreted from the body and its effectiveness is lost during this time.
2. Is there a chance to be treated with surgery?
Surgical treatment is an alternative treatment for patients who do not respond adequately to Botox treatment. In this surgery, the involuntary twitching eyelid muscles are surgically removed and the contractions are stopped, instead of paralyzed by Botox.
3. Does this disease cause blindness?
No. There is no relationship between this disease and visual pathways, but when patients cannot open their eyes, they face the picture of “functional blindness”.