© Shutterstock

Myokymia -

Eyelid twitching is also known as myokymia. It's when an involuntary spasm of the lower or upper eyelid muscles occurs.

© Shutterstock

A family history -

Myokymia is also known as benign essential blepharospasm, or BEB. Some studies suggest that between 20-30% of sufferers have a family history of this complaint.

© Shutterstock

Involuntary movement -

Is your eye or eyelid twitching? If it does so infrequently, you probably don't give it much thought. But if it's happening several times in a day, you may wonder if there's something more going on.

© Shutterstock

A common problem -

It's a common problem, and in many cases you'll begin to experience an eye twitch if you're feeling stressed, tired, or overcaffeinated.

© Shutterstock

A more serious condition? -

There are times, however, when an eye twitch is the first, innocuous symptom of something more serious. Conditions that cause twitching or spasm may affect your neurological system or muscles.

© Shutterstock

What it feels like -

Eyelid twitching is quick and doesn't cause any pain or vision loss. People say it feels like their eyelid is flickering or being lightly tugged.

© Shutterstock

Causes of eyelid twitching -

Believe it or not, you have 42 individual muscles in your face. One opens your eyelids, while another closes them.

© Shutterstock

Causes of eyelid twitching -

There are many possible causes of eyelid twitching. However, experts are not sure exactly why it seems to affect middle-aged or elderly women the most.

© Shutterstock

Common factors -

Common factors that cause eye twitching to occur include: drinking alcohol, smoking, bright lights, too much caffeine, lack of sleep, stress, wind, pollution, eye strain, and eye irritation.

© Shutterstock

Onset of eye twitching -

Myokymia typically onsets without warning and it can last anything from a few hours to a few days. Stronger spasms may cause your eyelids to close involuntarily.

© Shutterstock

Something more serious -

Frequent twitching or blinking itself can become a problem if it begins to interfere with everyday life, causing a more severe form of blepharospasm.

© Shutterstock

Something more serious -

However, sometimes twitching is indicative of something more serious. If it's persistent for more than two weeks, or there is a change to the appearance or sensation of the eye, it's time to give it more attention.

© Shutterstock

Bell's palsy -

For instance, it could be a symptom of Bell’s palsy. This condition affects your facial muscles (including in your eyelids) after a viral illness like a cold or the flu.

© Shutterstock

Bell's palsy -

Your eyes may also become inflamed if you're suffering from Bell's palsy. This condition can resolve on its own, but it's in your best interest to call a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment.

© Shutterstock

Cervical dystonia -

Cervical dystonia can also cause eye twitching. This is a chronic neurological condition that affects your neck and head muscles.

© Shutterstock

Cervical dystonia -

With chronic cervical dystonia, your head and neck move into unusual positions regularly or more sporadically. It can cause headaches, head tremors, or raised shoulder.

© Shutterstock

Dystonia -

Dystonia causes muscles to spasm, and can affect your eyes. It can be mild or severe, affecting one muscle or many. As of yet, there is no cure for the condition.

© Shutterstock

Dystonia -

Dystonia symptoms are known to worsen when the sufferer feels stressed or tired. Current treatments include Botox injections, physical therapy, and medication.

© Shutterstock

Multiple sclerosis (MS) -

Muscle twitches and eye pain are symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic condition where the immune system attacks your nerves.

© Shutterstock

Multiple sclerosis (MS) -

It's a condition that affects the way your brain communicates with your body. MS can cause symptoms that are passing, or that can worsen with time.

© Shutterstock

Parkinson's disease -

Parkinson's begins with minor symptoms like changes to your handwriting or voice, developing into things like tremors, muscle stiffness, and difficulty balancing.

© Shutterstock

Parkinson's disease -

Changes that occur in your facial expressions can be a symptom of Parkinson’s disease. Treating Parkinson's involves medication, lifestyle changes, and potential surgery.

© Shutterstock

Tourette syndrome -

Tourette syndrome may cause symptoms that include muscle movements you are not in control of. One of those movements is blinking.

© Shutterstock

Tourette syndrome -

Repeated, involuntary physical movements, or tics, and uncontrolled vocal expressions are a sign of this neurological condition.

© Shutterstock

Hemifacial spasm -

Hemifacial spasm results in muscle twitches on the face. A change occurs in the seventh cranial nerve, causing the involuntary movements.

© Shutterstock

Hemifacial spasm -

These spasms may begin with the eyelids twitching, before they gradually become worse and affect other facial features.

© Shutterstock

Myasthenia gravis -

Caused by an autoimmune condition, this neuromuscular condition causes your muscles to get weaker, which results in you having less control over them.

© Shutterstock

Myasthenia gravis -

Eyes twitching, a drooping eyelid, or seeing double are symptoms of myasthenia gravis. It can cause difficulty controlling your muscles, fatigue, breathing difficulties, and speech challenges.

© Shutterstock

It's not always a sign of a severe condition -

Your emotions, level of rest, and the environment you're in can contribute to causing a temporary eye twitch. It's not always the sign of a more serious condition.

© Shutterstock

Talk to your doctor if you're worried -

However, if the twitching doesn't pass within a few days, and if you have other symptoms that are co-occurring with it, talk to your doctor. They can carry out tests and conduct an eye exam to address if it's something that needs further care.

Sources: (Healthline) (The Guardian) 

See also: Dysautonomia—the invisible illness affecting millions

© Shutterstock