Blepharospasm is the medical name for uncontrolled eyelid twitching. Most of the times increased eyelid twitching is not a serious condition and the problem resolves at its own in a few hours, days or weeks. However, there are a few conditions that can make this apparently not so serious problem a chronic disorder that can be fixed only through proper treatment. Such a situation is called Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB). It is a chronic condition that rarely goes away and worsens progressively.
The worst thing about this neurological disorder is that it usually develops without any warning signs or initial symptoms, and is often misdiagnosed in its initial stages as dry eye syndrome or some allergic reaction. Usually symptoms of Blepharospasm start appearing in mid to late adulthood and worsen progressively. Often it starts slowly with episodic increased frequency of blinking and progresses to bilateral frequent and more forceful contractions. But the best thing about Blepharospasm is that it is a fairly rare condition with a prevalence rate of one in 20,000 people in America.
There are numerous treatment options available to treat uncontrolled eyelid twitching, from Biofeedback to Hypnosis to Acupuncture, but nothing can beat the effectiveness of Botox treatment for Blepharospasm. Botox or botulinum toxin, an injectable prescribed medicine known more for its anti-aging effects, offers instant relief from this debilitating condition. Effects of treatment generally last for 3 to 4 months, but longevity of effectiveness may vary depending on the severity of problem, physical condition of the individual and the technique used. Expertise of the person performing the procedure also play a key role in determining the effectiveness of treatment.