Facial and Eyelid Spasms

Conveniently located to serve Providence, RI

People with facial and eyelid spasms first notice frequent uncontrollable blinking. This can be limited to both eyes, in which case it is called Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB). Another form of facial spasms is called Hemifacial Spasm. As the name implies, it is limited to either the left or the right side of the face. A third common facial spasm syndrome is called Meige’s syndrome. This usually manifests as right and left facial spasms that involve the entire face.

There are other causes of facial spasms that need to be distinguished. Dr. Enzer will evaluate you, sometimes in conjunction with a neurologist, to determine whether you fall into one or more of these categories. Often a cause is not found, and the mechanisms behind these spasm syndromes remain poorly understood despite a great deal of ongoing research worldwide. You can read more about these efforts by clicking here.

Treatment

There are a variety of treatments for eyelid and facial spasms, including medications, neuromodulator injections (Botox®, Dysport®, and Xeomin® in the USA), and surgery. The most common are neuromodulators. These drugs require a series of injections and usually last about three months, and are customized for each patient. They work by weakening the overactive muscles responsible for involuntary twitching.

Surgery is usually reserved for those patients who fail the neuromodulators. Dr. Enzer has over twenty years of experience in managing facial and eyelid spasms and has helped hundreds of patients regain control of their lives.