BOTOX® for Eyelid & Facial Spasms


Botox® is the most common medical treatment for eyelid and facial spasms. When used correctly by a trained physician, 96.6% of patients will have a noticeable and sustained improvement after injection of Botox.

A number of patients suffer from spasms of the eyelid and face. These are typically aggravated by voluntary facial movements. They are increased with fatigue and emotional stress, and they are suppressed with sleep, relaxation and hypnosis. It often begins with twitches and increases in frequency and severity over time. Eventually this results in a sustained spasm. Women have eyelid and facial spasms 3-4 times more often than men.

These spasms may be localized to a single muscle (eyelid) or involve multiple muscles of the face. Spasms that affect both sides of the face are typically caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Rarely the spasm is due to a brain stroke or multiple sclerosis. Spasms located to one side of the face are due to dysfunction of the facial nerve (called hemifacial spasm). In 85-100% of cases, the nerve is compressed by vessels located in the brain.

Possible side effects include inability to close your eyelid, eyelid drooping, tearing, and other less common side effects like a flu syndrome.

How long does BOTOX last?

Depending of the cause of the spasm, the effect of the Botox typically lasts 12-15 weeks. Giving more Botox does not make the effect last longer. Similarly the effect does not get stronger or weaker over years of treatment. Over time the nerves recover and form new nerve endings. It is also possible that there is deactivation of the toxin itself. Multiple injections are more effective than increasing the volume of the injection.Your physician may need to adjust the dose of Botox to best treat your spasms.

SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT



If you would like to learn more about BOTOX® for Eyelid & Facial Spasms call 1-800-244-9907 to make an appointment at Central Valley Eye Medical Group.

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