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Suggest Treatment For Eye Twitching Caused By Hemifacial Spasm In An Elderly Person
Question: My mother around 60 years old is having hemifacial spasm for the last two years. It started as eye twitching and gradually the left side till the lips. It is not continuous and only happens along with excess emotions like laughing, talking aggressively etc.
She consulted a doctor who prescribed pacitane and ethizola after which in 2 months is was gone. It again started after 6 months in times of general tension or anxiety at home. Again it stopped in sometime when things stabilized.
So this is not continuous, comes in for 1 to 2 months in between stops for a few months then would again come up suddenly. The doctor has suggested some botox injections but my mother doenst want to go for it. Is there any other remedy that could be checked out.
PS: She is taking medicines like ecosprin, BP medicines and for cholesterol
She consulted a doctor who prescribed pacitane and ethizola after which in 2 months is was gone. It again started after 6 months in times of general tension or anxiety at home. Again it stopped in sometime when things stabilized.
So this is not continuous, comes in for 1 to 2 months in between stops for a few months then would again come up suddenly. The doctor has suggested some botox injections but my mother doenst want to go for it. Is there any other remedy that could be checked out.
PS: She is taking medicines like ecosprin, BP medicines and for cholesterol
Brief Answer:
Continue same medications and plan for botox ad neuroimaging
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Hemifacial spasm is said to be due to irritation of peripheral facial nerve. The reason in some cases may be vascular loop but in majority it is idiopathic.
The treatment is same as been advised. The dose may be increased if required.
The second option is botox injection which is very useful and may improve the symptoms for 6 months.
Next treatment options are surgical if required.
For investigation you can go for MRI brain with MRA with FIESTA sequence.
Prevention may be done by avoiding stressful conditions, extreme light.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back with further queries.
regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Continue same medications and plan for botox ad neuroimaging
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.
Hemifacial spasm is said to be due to irritation of peripheral facial nerve. The reason in some cases may be vascular loop but in majority it is idiopathic.
The treatment is same as been advised. The dose may be increased if required.
The second option is botox injection which is very useful and may improve the symptoms for 6 months.
Next treatment options are surgical if required.
For investigation you can go for MRI brain with MRA with FIESTA sequence.
Prevention may be done by avoiding stressful conditions, extreme light.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back with further queries.
regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Thanks for the reply doctor.
My mother is 62 and is already taking many medicines, hence is not willing to go for any further neuro tests currently.
Hence, if it is not a serious condition; would it be ok to just continue with current medicines as the spasms come in on and off and are not continuous.
Also is it OK to take pacitane and ethizola on a long term basis? She feels drowsy with ethizola throughout the day; hence any alternative medicines for the same?
My mother is 62 and is already taking many medicines, hence is not willing to go for any further neuro tests currently.
Hence, if it is not a serious condition; would it be ok to just continue with current medicines as the spasms come in on and off and are not continuous.
Also is it OK to take pacitane and ethizola on a long term basis? She feels drowsy with ethizola throughout the day; hence any alternative medicines for the same?
Brief Answer:
Decrease dose and continue medication
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
In most cases it is non progressive and current medication can be continued.
As both drugs are having sedation effects it is advisable to decrease the dose of etizolam if sedation is more.
Continous medication will be more beneficial.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Decrease dose and continue medication
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
In most cases it is non progressive and current medication can be continued.
As both drugs are having sedation effects it is advisable to decrease the dose of etizolam if sedation is more.
Continous medication will be more beneficial.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Sonia Raina
Answered by
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