This condition is twice as common in women as in men.īotulinum toxin ( Botox) injections can help reduce twitching that occurs due to BEB.
In more than half of people with BEB, the muscle spasms will spread beyond the eyelids to other facial muscles. It is a type of dystonia or condition characterized by unusual movement or muscle tone. However, it can be managed with the help of medications and eye drops.īenign essential blepharospasm (BEB) is a condition where the eyelids close forcefully or spasm involuntarily.
Facial spasms can occur when the facial nerves become compressed or swollen. Hemifacial spasm is a relatively rare condition, affecting around 11 per 100,000 people.īell’s palsy is a temporary condition that causes a weakness in the facial muscles, or partial facial paralysis. These spasms continue throughout a person’s life and usually affect the left side of the face, often around the eye. Hemifacial spasms are different to other eyebrow or eyelid twitching and occur because of irritated facial nerves. Less commonly, eyebrow twitching may have a more serious underlying cause. Share on Pinterest In some cases, eyebrow twitching may be caused by a condition that will require medical attention. Reducing the amount of alcohol consumed, stopping smoking, and avoiding recreational drugs can help to alleviate the spasms. Relaxation techniques and exercise are known to help alleviate stress and could help to reduce instances of the eyelids or eyebrows twitching.ĭrinking alcohol, smoking, and taking recreational drugs may also cause a person’s eyes and the areas around them to twitch. Stress can affect the body in many ways, so paying attention to stress levels and trying to reduce stress can bring many health benefits. Stress is another common reason why a person’s eyelid or eyebrow might twitch. If a person believes they are getting enough rest yet still feel extremely tired, they can consult a doctor to find out if there is an underlying condition causing these symptoms. Getting plenty of sleep, which is usually considered to be between 7 and 9 hours a night, may help reduce instances of eye twitching. When a person feels fatigued, their eyes are more likely to twitch. When a person rubs their irritated eyes, this may cause them to twitch. When an allergic reaction is triggered, histamine is released, which causes itchiness. When someone has allergies, these can result in twitching around their eyes. Spending a lot of time looking at a screen can cause eyestrain, and people should try to take regular breaks to avoid this happening.Įyestrain can also occur when someone is straining to see, in which case they may need glasses or a change in the prescription for their glasses. If a person strains their eyes, this can result in the eye muscles being overworked and becoming tired. If a person suspects that their medication is causing spasms, they should talk to their doctor and consider switching to a different type or lowering the dosage. Antiepileptic medication can also prompt twitches, though the frequency of this is unknown.ĭiuretics are another drug type that may lead to muscle twitching, as they can result in a magnesium deficiency. Stimulants, such as medication to treat ADHD, and antipsychotics may cause tics and tremors. People can experience eyebrow twitching as a result of particular medications. Good sources of magnesium that are recommended by the National Institute of Health include: Magnesium deficiency, which is also called hypomagnesemia, can have other symptoms that include: This is because magnesium plays an key role in normal nerve and muscle functions. One symptom of a magnesium deficiency is muscle spasms. If a person suspects that caffeine may be causing their eyebrow twitches, the twitches may stop if they reduce their intake. Ingesting too much caffeine can cause muscle twitches, including around the eyes. There are many common, everyday causes of eyebrow twitching. Many people will experience eyebrow twitches sometime in their lives. Share on Pinterest Many people experience eyebrow twitches, caused by everyday factors or underlying disorders.