Benign Essential Blepharospasm
Information Page |
NINDS is part of the
National Institutes of
Health
Table of Contents (click to jump to sections)
What is Benign Essential Blepharospasm?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Organizations
What is Benign Essential Blepharospasm?
Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions
and spasms of the eyelid muscles. It is a form of dystonia, a movement disorder in which muscle contractions cause sustained eyelid closure, twitching or repetitive movements. BEB begins
gradually with increased frequency of eye blinking often associated with eye irritation. Other symptoms may include involuntary
winking or squinting of one or both eyes, increasing difficulty in keeping the eyes open, and light sensitivity. Generally,
the spasms occur during the day, disappear in sleep, and reappear after waking. As the condition progresses, the spasms may
intensify, forcing the eyelids to remain closed for long periods of time, and thereby causing substantial visual disturbance
or functional blindness. It is important to note that the blindness is caused solely by the uncontrollable closing of the
eyelids and not by a dysfunction of the eyes. BEB occurs in both men and women, although it is especially common in middle-aged
and elderly women.
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?
Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.
Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation 637 North 7th Street Suite 102 P.O. Box 12468 Beaumont, TX 77726-2468 bebrf@blepharospasm.org http://www.blepharospasm.org Tel: 409-832-0788 Fax: 409-832-0890 |
Dystonia Medical Research Foundation 1 East Wacker Drive Suite 2430 Chicago, IL 60601-1905 dystonia@dystonia-foundation.org http://www.dystonia-foundation.org Tel: 312-755-0198 Fax: 312-803-0138 |
Prepared by:
Office of Communications and Public Liaison
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Last updated October 03, 2007