Myokymia causes involuntary muscle movements, often as a symptom of another neurological disorder. It can affect the face or limbs, and can be triggered by stress or lifestyle factors. Treatment may include medication or exercise, but effective treatments are limited.
Myokymia is a condition that causes involuntary movements of the muscles. It can affect the face or any muscle group in the body, especially smaller groups like the fingers. Myokymia can occur on its own, but is often a symptom of another neurological or movement disorder.
Facial myokymia typically occurs in the eyelids and affects the orbicularis oculi muscle which controls the opening and closing of the eyelids, resulting in twitching of the eyelids. It can be caused by excessive stress or by drinking alcohol or caffeine, which is usually temporary and goes away without treatment. The condition can also be a sign of hemifacial spasm, a disorder that starts as eye twitches and eventually affects one side of the face. Facial twitching can also be a symptom of blepharospasm, a disorder that impairs the brain’s ability to properly handle movement.
Myokymia of the limbs can present in the form of light twitching or intense spasms. The condition can occur in all of the arms and legs, but often tends to inhibit hand movement control. It can be a symptom of multiple sclerosis, a disorder that damages the nervous system and limits control of muscle movement. Involuntary limb movement can also be a sign of hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid gland does not supply the body with enough hormones to properly control metabolism and energy levels. While twitching or spasms are the most common symptoms of myokymia, they can end up leading to other symptoms. Constant involuntary movement can cause cramping or stiffness in the affected area, or it can even lead to pain and fatigue.
If myokymia is caused by lifestyle, it may not require treatment, especially if the culprit activities have changed. Some people may not find the condition bothersome enough to seek treatment or make lifestyle changes. If the condition is a symptom of an underlying medical condition, it may subside with appropriate treatment for the pre-existing problem, although movement disorders often lack effective treatments.
Light exercise can help reduce the frequency of constant movements, but it is usually supervised by a health professional in order to prevent the condition from worsening. Anticonvulsant medications may also be prescribed to control excessive involuntary movements, especially if they occur often enough to get in the way of daily activities. The drugs prevent the brain from sending inappropriate movement signals to muscle nerves.
Certain factors can make myokymia worse or more likely to occur. Mental or physical stress, such as depression or lack of sleep, can trigger episodes. Straining your eyes to read or look at a bright computer or television screen can also make your eyelids twitch more often.
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