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What Causes Left Eyelid Twitching While Experiencing Severe Anxiety?

Posted on Fri, 9 Jun 2017

Question: Hi i am a 29 yr old male about 12 days ago i started getting a twich in my right upper eyelid, the very next day it started in my lower left eyelid. The twitch in the left eyelid slowly went away however the one on the right got worse and has been pretty constant where it was coming and going during the whole day lasting a few seconds at a time. It got abit better while i was sleeping, it slowed down alot today, However my lower left eyelid started twitching pretty bad today where it feels as though it is tugging on the eye not closing it. The twitch gets worse when I look around or touch the eye. I don't feel it while I sleep, but it twitches sometimes after I blink or move the eye around. I have suffered from anxiety and been feeling anxiouse and paranoid about it i do also drink alot of coffee, my sleeping has been pretty good however, nothing out of the ordinary. I have been searching and worrying it might be essential blepharospasm although i am not blinking or closing the eyes. Another thing i thought is myokymia but is this able to affect both eyes. Can you please help me as i am a mess at the moment and thinkinh about it makes them twitch more.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
stress and anxiety are main cause.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Dear,
Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query.
The problem you are suffering from is called Myokymia. Myokymia is a common symptom characterized as a sudden, involuntary twitching of the eyelid muscles generally around one eye however both the eyes can be involved in almost 5% of the cases. Fatigue stress and caffeine are among the most important causes responsible for it. Initially start taking an anxiolytic to reduce levels of your anxiety. Stop taking coffee at all. Any other stimulant should also be stopped for few days. Use an antihistaminic like allergra 180 mg for few days.
However initially get a prescription for anxiolytic like Clonazepam for few days.
Its not blephrospasm as spasm is always associated with pain.
Hope i answered your query well.
Follow up after 5 days.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Ramesh Kumar (10 hours later)

Hi thanks for the response. I am only concerened as it is in both eyes, i have read that blepharospasm can start as a twitch also but force both eyes closed. I dont have any pain with it. In your experience are you certain you dont beleive it is blepharospasm

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,
The word Blepharo means eyelid and spasm means sudden muscular contraction.
Usually spasm is always accompanied by pain.Therefore i don't think its blephrospasm.

However to be fully sure you should visit an opthalmologist in person and physical examination should be done.

Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana