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Suggest Treatment For Cold And Sinus Infection
Question: I have been coming down with a cold or sinus infection, when I sneeze my left eye feels strange and twitches - it does not happen when I cough - what could be causing this?
Brief Answer:
Usually benign cause. No active management unless it persists.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. While there are many possible cause for the eye twitching, most are considered benign and no active treatment is necessary unless this persists or worsens.
2. If you do want to investigate, it is because of the relationship to the cold and sinus infection and since one eye (the left) also feels strange immediately after a sneeze (which is more violent than a cough as far as transmitted pressures in the upper airway are concerned).
3. A plain Sinus CT Scan will help look for any dehiscence (gaps) in the bony walls of the sinuses and orbit and any dehiscence in the canal of the infraorbital nerve as it runs throug the floor of the orbit (the roof of the maxillary sinus). The infrorbital nerve supplies sensation to the lower eyelid, cheek, art of the upper lip and nasal vestibule. Irritation from this area during a sneeze can trigger of fasiculations of the lower eyelid muscles (the motor supply is via the facial nerve).
4. A lot depends upon whether this progresses or settle down on its own.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Usually benign cause. No active management unless it persists.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. While there are many possible cause for the eye twitching, most are considered benign and no active treatment is necessary unless this persists or worsens.
2. If you do want to investigate, it is because of the relationship to the cold and sinus infection and since one eye (the left) also feels strange immediately after a sneeze (which is more violent than a cough as far as transmitted pressures in the upper airway are concerned).
3. A plain Sinus CT Scan will help look for any dehiscence (gaps) in the bony walls of the sinuses and orbit and any dehiscence in the canal of the infraorbital nerve as it runs throug the floor of the orbit (the roof of the maxillary sinus). The infrorbital nerve supplies sensation to the lower eyelid, cheek, art of the upper lip and nasal vestibule. Irritation from this area during a sneeze can trigger of fasiculations of the lower eyelid muscles (the motor supply is via the facial nerve).
4. A lot depends upon whether this progresses or settle down on its own.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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