1. BEBRF Blepharospasm Pages - Dystonia, Blepharospasm, Meige Syndrome, Publication blepharospasm is a condition in which there is sustained, forced, involuntary closing of the eyelids. Initial symptoms, cause and treatment are discussed. http://www.blepharospasm.org/

Information in languages other than english Italiano Korean Last update August 18, 2005 What's New Contents of the Blepharospasm Pages Search the BEBRF Blepharospasm site Blepharospasm What is blepharospasm? How does blepharospasm begin? ... Apraxia of Eyelid Opening Current Forms of Therapy? Botulinum toxin injections Medical (Drug) Treatment Surgery Supportive Forms of Treatment ... Scientific Presentations from the BEBRF Annual Conferences Support Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation (BEBRF) Publications and other materials available from BEBRF BEBRF On-line Store Blepharospasm Support Groups ... Blepharospasm Bulletin Board - communicate with other blefros Other Resources Disability information Links to other resources Search the Internet for additional information Blepharospasm Research Abstracts Request for blepharospasm/Meige research proposals Make a donation to BEBRF Use mail-in form Contribute on-line Questions or Comments What is Blepharospasm? Blepharo means "eyelid". Spasm means "uncontrolled muscle contraction". The term blepharospasm ['blef-a-ro-spaz-m] can be applied to any abnormal blinking or eyelid tic or twitch resulting from any cause, ranging from dry eyes to Tourette's syndrome to tardive dyskinesia. The blepharospasm referred to here is officially called benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) to distinguish it from the less serious secondary blinking disorders. "Benign" indicates the condition is not life threatening, and "essential" is a medical term meaning "of unknown cause". It is both a cranial and a focal dystonia. Cranial refers to the head and focal indicates confinement to one part. The word dystonia describes abnormal involuntary sustained muscle contractions and spasms. Patients with blepharospasm have normal eyes. The visual disturbance is due solely to the forced closure of the eyelids.

2. Blepharospasm Information about blepharospasm, and details of surgical options at the Institute. http://www.steen-hall.com/bspasm.html

Our Doctors Laser Vision Correction Cataract Surgery Conductive Keratoplasty ... Retinal Conditions (Including Macular Degeneration) Surgery Cornea Glaucoma General Eye Care Latest Information ... Financing Seminars SEARCH Home Blepharospasm What is Blepharospasm? Blepharospasm is a common term for conditions that are medically known as Benign Essential Blepharospasm and Essential Blepharospasm. A blepharospasm is defined as "a chronic, unremitting, bilateral, variably progressive dysfunction of the nerve that controls the muscles around the eye." It manifests itself as an uncontrollable, forcible closure of the eyelids. It often affects both eyes at once, but it can also affect only one eye. In some cases, other muscles in the face can twitch as well, especially around the cheek and brow. Severe blepharospasm can cause the eyelids to be forcibly closed for a duration longer than the typical blink reflex, causing a variable interruption in the ability to see. Benign Essential Blepharospasm and Essential Blepharospasm are caused by abnormal nerve impulses to the eyelid muscles. Years ago, many patients were told that Essential Blepharospasm was caused by psychiatric problems. Now, it is known that this was not true. Are There Different Forms of Blepharospasm?

3. Blepharospasm Support Groups - Charlotte, NC - SupportWorks SupportWorks directory of support groups and other resources in Charlotte, NC addressing blepharospasm. http://www.supportworks.org/cat829.htm

S UPPORT W ORKS ONLINE MECK CAT 829 BLEPHAROSPASM Scroll down to browse, or click your choice below: Support groups in Mecklenburg County (NC) Nonprofit agencies in Mecklenburg County (NC0 ... to search beyond this page SECTION 1: Support groups in Mecklenburg County The Blepharospasm Support Group This group meets only twice a year, but helps folks with blepharospasm, meige (throat spasm), or any other upper body spasm find medical information and mutual support. Call a leader of the group at 831-1800 anyday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. That's in Lake Wylie, SC and it's a free call from Charlotte. Click for overview of Blepharospasm resources SECTION 2: Nonprofit agencies in Mecklenburg County United Way 2-1-1 (Information and Referral Services) (138, all) This service provides comprehensive data and referral assistance for nonprofit and government resources in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Union counties of NC. If you are calling from within one of those counties for personal assistance from a referral specialist, dial 2-1-1. If you are calling from outside these counties for data on organizations within any of these counties, call one of these numbers for information on: Mecklenburg (704/377-1100), Cabarrus (704/788-1156), and Union (704/289-8102). Although they are open 24 hours a day, you may wish to call weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. for non-emergency questions. The Health Library of Presbyterian Hospital Matthews The friendly staff at this full service library can help you research any medical topic using their up-to-date computers, databases, journals and books. No previous research experience or medical knowledge is required.

4. BEBRF Blepharospasm Pages - Dystonia, Blepharospasm, Meige blepharospasm is a condition in which there is sustained, forced, involuntary closing of the eyelids. Initial symptoms, cause and treatment are http://tmsyn.wc.ask.com/r?t=an&s=hb&uid=24312681243126812&sid=343126

5. Blepharospasm Bulletin Board Re Life Insurance and blepharospasm? Lynn Yarbrough ( 07/28/2005, 173549 ). Re Life Insurance and blepharospasm? - judith k ( 07/28/2005, http://www.blepharospasm.org/forums/beb/

Blepharospasm Bulletin Board 1.5 hours 3 hours 6 hours 12 hours Today's last visit - page 1 page 2 page 3 page 4 page 5 page 6 page 7 page 8 page 9 page 10 page 11 page 12 page 13 New Post Find Reload Register Login Admin Welcome to newcomers Help Archives Bulletin Board Rules ... blurry vision esp at night CammyB Re: blurry vision esp at night Marilee Re: blurry vision esp at night Lynn Yarbrough Re: blurry vision esp at nightdo call your doctor Les from Canada Re: blurry vision esp at nightdo call your doctor CammyB Re: blurry vision esp at nightdo call your doctor Marilee Tucson Support Group Steph in Tucson Re: Tucson Support Group Lynn Yarbrough Re: Tucson Support Group ausdogs Re: Tucson Support Group Steph in Tucson Tinted glasses have been a help Elsea Chase Re: Tinted glasses have been a help Tatia Re: Tinted glasses have been a help Elsea Chase Re: Tinted glasses have been a help Sue from Australia Re: Headaches Em Re: Headaches Tatia Re: Headaches Sue from Australia What kinds of work can BEBers still do - or change to? Marilee Re: What kinds of work can BEBers still do - or change to? Lynn Yarbrough a different question...Re: What kinds of work can BEBers still do - or change to?

6. Benign Essential Blepharospasm / Family Village Library Information, who to contact, where to go to chat with others and links from Family Village. http://familyvillage.wisc.edu/lib_beb.htm

Benign Essential Blepharospasm Who to Contact Where to Go to Chat with Others Learn More About It Web Sites ... Search Google for "Benign Essential Blepharospasm" Who to Contact Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation P.O. Box 12468 Beaumont, TX USA 77726-2468 Tel: (409) 832-0788 Fax: (409) 832-0890 E-mail: bebrf@blepharospasm.org Web: http://www.blepharospasm.org/ The Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation has a mission to promote, develop and carry on the search for the cause and a cure for Benign Essential Blepharospasm and other related disorders and infirmities of the facial musculature. The Foundation publishes a bi-monthly newsletter and has pamphlets and patient packets available at no charge. They have a video Lending Library available for no charge. Where to Go to Chat with Others Newsgroup: alt.support.dystonia Learn More About It What is blepharospasm? Blepharospasm Benign Essential Blepharospasm Information Page From the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Blepharospasm, Benign Essential

7. Blepharospasm Information about blepharospasm, and details of surgical options at the Institute. http://tmsyn.wc.ask.com/r?t=an&s=hb&uid=24312681243126812&sid=343126

8. COX.net For Phoenix Explanations of these three disorders, as to what they are and the symptoms. http://www.accessarizona.com/community/groups/azbebrf/What_is_blepharospas.html

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9. Benign Essential Blepharospasm Information Page National Information about Benign Essential blepharospasm from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). Includes description http://tmsyn.wc.ask.com/r?t=an&s=hb&uid=24312681243126812&sid=343126

10. DMRF: Forms Of Dystonia: Blepharospasm blepharospasm is a focal dystonia characterized by increased blinking and People with blepharospasm have normal vision. Visual disturbance is due solely http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/defined/bleph.asp

To view specific content on this page, click on a category above. Blepharospasm Cable/T1 (Get RealPlayer) What is it? Blepharospasm is a focal dystonia characterized by increased blinking and involuntary closing of the eyes. People with blepharospasm have normal vision. Visual disturbance is due solely to the forced closure of the eyelids. Back to top Symptoms Blepharospasm affects the eye muscles and usually begins gradually with excessive blinking and/or eye irritation. In the early stages it may only occur with specific precipitating stressors, such as bright lights, fatigue, and emotional tension. It is almost always present in both eyes. As the condition progresses, it occurs frequently during the day. The spasms disappear in sleep, and some people find that after a good night's sleep, spasms do not appear for several hours after waking. In a few cases, spasms may intensify so that the eyelids remain forcefully closed for several hours at a time. Blepharospasm can occur with dystonia affecting the mouth and/or jaw (oromandibular dystonia, Meige's syndrome). In such cases, spasms of the eyelids are accompanied by jaw clenching or mouth opening, grimacing, and tongue protrusion. If blepharospasm causes any type of impairment, it is because muscle contractions interfere with normal function. Features such as cognition, strength, and the senses, including vision and hearing, are normal. While dystonia is not fatal, it is a chronic disorder and prognosis is difficult to predict.

11. Dystonia Medical Research Foundation: Home Page Research and educational resource on the movement disorder dystonia blepharospasm, spasmodic torticollis, spasmodic dysphonia, writer's cramp. http://www.dystonia-foundation.org/

The Dystonia Foundation hosted the first of its kind Leadership Planning Meeting on July 22-23 which brought together 15 representatives from around the country representing all of our support entities. more Fall Advocacy Day Planned Register Today for Northeast Patient Symposium From the Dialogue: Foundation Funds New Research Grants ... Contact The design and implementation of the Dystonia Foundation's website was made possible by a generous educational grant from the Allergan Foundation.

12. Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Home Page Research and educational resource on the movement disorder dystonia blepharospasm, spasmodic torticollis, spasmodic dysphonia, writer's cramp. http://tmsyn.wc.ask.com/r?t=an&s=hb&uid=24312681243126812&sid=343126

13. Blepharospasm Resource Guide [NEI Health Information] To order blepharospasm Resource Guide visit our online catalogNew! blepharospasm is an abnormal, involuntary blinking or spasm of the eyelids. http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/blepha/index.asp

Text size: S M L Health Funding News Laboratories ... Health Information Blepharospasm Related Topics: To order Blepharospasm Resource Guide visit our online catalog New! Diagram of the Eye Vision-Related TermsSelected Online Sources Finding an Eye Care Professional Talking to Your Doctor ... Eye Health Organizations Database New! On this page: Other Names What is blepharospasm? What causes blepharospasm? What are the symptoms of blepharospasm? ... Medical Literature The information provided in this Resource Guide was developed by the National Eye Institute (NEI) to help patients and their families search for general information about blepharospasm . An eye care professional who has examined the patient's eyes and is familiar with his or her medical history is the best person to answer specific questions. Other Names Benign essential blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm. What is Blepharospasm? Blepharospasm is an abnormal, involuntary blinking or spasm of the eyelids. What causes Blepharospasm? Blepharospasm is associated with an abnormal function of the basal ganglion from an unknown cause. The basal ganglion is the part of the brain responsible for controlling the muscles. In rare cases, heredity may play a role in the development of blepharospasm. What are the symptoms of Blepharospasm?

14. The Cosmetic Eyelid And Facial Rejuvenation Center Cosmetic eyelid surgery by Joseph A. Mauriello, Jr, MD. About oculoplastic surgery, orbital surgery, Botox and blepharospasm. Located in Summit. http://www.eyelidmd.net/

15. DMRF Forms Of Dystonia Blepharospasm blepharospasm should not be confused with Related Questions What is the difference between facial tic and blepharospasm? http://tmsyn.wc.ask.com/r?t=an&s=hb&uid=24312681243126812&sid=343126

16. EMedicine - Blepharospasm, Benign Essential : Article By Stanley M Saulny, MD blepharospasm, Benign Essential The first record of blepharospasm and lower facial spasm was found in the 16th century in a painting titled De Gaper. http://www.emedicine.com/OPH/topic202.htm

(advertisement) Home Specialties Resource Centers CME ... Patient Education Articles Images CME Advanced Search Consumer Health Link to this site Back to: eMedicine Specialties Ophthalmology Lid Blepharospasm, Benign Essential Last Updated: August 8, 2005 Rate this Article Email to a Colleague Synonyms and related keywords: BEB, essential blepharospasm AUTHOR INFORMATION Section 1 of 10 Author Information Introduction Clinical Differentials ... Bibliography Author: Stanley M Saulny, MD , Fellow, Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute Stanley M Saulny, MD, is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology American Medical Writers Association , and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery Editor(s): Ron W Pelton, MD, PhD , Consulting Staff, Department of Surgery, Memorial Hospital; Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD , Senior Pharmacy Editor, eMedicine; Mark T Duffy, MD, PhD Lance L Brown, OD, MD , Ophthalmologist, Regional Eye Center, Affiliated With Freeman Hospital and St John's Hospital, Joplin, Missouri; and Hampton Roy, Sr, MD

17. WE MOVE - Worldwide Education And Awareness For Movement Disorders Education materials on movement disorders. http://tmsyn.wc.ask.com/r?t=an&s=hb&uid=24312681243126812&sid=343126

18. Canadian Support Group For Blepharospasm And Meige Sufferers blepharospasm is a condition in which there is forced, sustained, involuntary closing of the eyelids. Symptoms, cause and treatment are discussed. http://www.blepharospasm.ca/index.shtml

BLEPHAROSPASM Welcome The Benign Essential Blepharospasm Canadian Research Foundation Inc. (BEBCRF) provides this site for your use. These pages are intended to provide information and not to advocate particular treatment options. For treatment, readers must consult their physician. The term blepharospasm ['blef-a-ro-spaz-m] can be applied to a forced, sustained, and, involuntary closure of the eyelids. It stems from a number of causes, beginning with dry eyes, and, may progress to a state where the person is "legally blind". The blepharospasm referred to here is officially called Benign Essential Blepharospasm (BEB). "Benign" indicates the condition is not life threatening, and "essential" is a medical term meaning "of unknown cause". The psychological impact of BEB can be tremendous. Patients often feel their physicians do not believe their symptoms are uncontrolled and, therefore, may see several physicians before the proper diagnosis is made. It is not unusual for a patient to be initially seen by a physician who is unaware of this disease and refers them for psychiatric evaluation. They are generally greatly relieved when they are finally told they have a real disease and that some treatment is available. It is extremely important for patients to understand their disease process. Patients generally learn their own coping techniques which can be shared with others at support group meetings. At present there is no cure for Essential Blepharospasm and related dystonia. Systemic medications help some patients. Debilitating spasms, however, continue in most cases, rendering patients functionally blind. Botulinum A toxin injection is the best temporary therapy and myectomy is the best long term therapy.

19. Meige's Syndrome Meige's Syndrome is a form of dystonia in which there is blinking and chin thrusting. The condition and its treatment are described by George W. Paulson, M.D. http://www.blepharospasm.org/meige.html

Meige's Syndrome by George W. Paulson, M.D. Kurtz Professor of Neurology The Ohio State University Medical Center Columbus, Ohio Web page created on December 13, 1997 Henri Meige described in 1904 what is now commonly called oral facial dystonia. There is some variation in what has been described since in what has been called Meige's syndrome, but in all descriptions there is blinking and chin thrusting. Some patients have lip pursing or tongue movements and, for a few, the movements spread into the shoulders. The cause remains obscure, treatment less than ideal, and frustration is a major factor as it is with blepharospasm. Many physicians, even regarding the more common essential blepharospasm, may have had no experience with Meige's syndrome and the patient may be told the process is psychologic. It is not. There are some similar conditions related to medication effects, for example, the mouth movement seen when excessive levodopa is present in patients with Parkinson's disease. Tardive dyskinesia, the movements that can follow prolonged use of major tranquilizers, can be associated with mouth and tongue movements. Some normal, elderly individuals develop spontaneous mouthing or chewing movements. Meige is more than and different from any of these other mouth movements. Blinking forcefully is often a part of it as is grimacing and the chin thrusting forward. At times there is a joint interactive movement between the oral movements and the eye movements. The patients are more likely to be women than men and usually at middle age or beyond. There is, as in all neurologic conditions, some variation with stress, but the movement is present at rest and with activity and when with others or alone. As with almost all movement disorders, it disappears in sleep.

20. ST Dystonia - Spasmodic Torticollis Help for people with Dystonia / Spasmodic Torticollis, to become improved human beings through our lifeline of benefits, including our 20 page http://tmsyn.wc.ask.com/r?t=an&s=hb&uid=24312681243126812&sid=343126

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