Monday 14 July 2014

Blepharospasm Treatment

What is Blepharospasm?
Blepharospasm is a neurological condition characterized by abnormal contraction of the eyelid muscles. It is a bilateral condition and a type of focal dystonia in which a person experiences episodic closure of eyelids. The exact cause of blepharospasm is not known yet, and it is not even associated with another disease or syndrome. Initial symptoms include mild and infrequent muscle spasms that progressively worsen leading to forceful and frequent contractures of eyelids. In later stages, benign essential blepharospasm may also cause functional blindness, as the person becomes unable to temporarily open the eyes.

Fortunately, there are excellent treatment options available to help alleviate symptoms of BEB. Botox or botulinum toxin Type A has been a generally accepted standard of care for blepharospasm since getting approval from the US Food and Drug Association (FDA) in 1989. These injections are a well-established treatment for blepharospasm. Most of people know Botox for its cosmetic applications, but only a few know that it was first used to treat eye muscle problems and the cosmetic applications came to fore only as the side effects of Botox treatment.

How is the procedure performed?
Botox treatment involves injecting a highly diluted form of botulinum toxin in prescribed doses directly into the affected eye muscles. The toxin is administered into the orbicularis oculi muscles every three to four months. The dosage varies from 2 to 5 units per injection site and each eye is divided into 4 to 8 sites. The drug sticks itself to the nerve terminals at the receptor sites, inhibiting the release of vesicular acetylcholine from the terminals. This causes temporary paralysis of the associated muscles. Average onset of effects is in 2 to 3 days and average peak effect may be seen 7 to 10 days after the injection. Subsequent treatment is determined based on the patient's response. Most patients need re-treatment every three months to four months and progressively larger doses may be required over a long period of time

Is this treatment painful?
Since the area around eyes is very sensitive, local anesthesia is given to the patient before performing the procedure to numb the area. To further minimize the discomfort associated with the procedure, hair thin sterile needles imported from the United States are used.
What are the risks associated with Botox treatment?
Botox injections are generally safe and rarely cause any side effects. However, getting the injection from an inexperienced doctor may cause side effects including,


  • Dry eyes or mouth
  • Droopy eyelid
  • Headache or neck pain
  • Difficulty in breathing and/or swallowing

No comments:

Post a Comment