Lack of sleep or too much caffeine? Doctor explains eye twitches

Doctor's explanation

Of course, eyelid twitching can be quite unpleasant, but it happens to many people.

This condition is called myokymia, which means repeated involuntary muscle spasms of the eyelids, often occurring in the upper eyelid. However, it can occur in both the upper and lower eyelids.

What causes eyelid twitching?

While twitching usually isn't a cause for concern, you should consult your family doctor in the following cases:

• You experience twitching for more than two weeks
• You have twitching in multiple locations
• The affected area feels weak or stiff to the touch
• You think that prescribed medications might be causing your twitching

Although doctors ensure that most twitches are not caused by illness and are likely harmless, it is possible that they could be due to certain reasons.

If you experience twitching along with other symptoms, you may want to consult your family doctor.

This could be:

• Benign fasciculation syndrome (persistent twitches and cramps caused by excessive nerve activity)
• Dystonia (a group of unusual conditions that cause muscle spasms)
• Motor neuron disease (a rare condition that causes weakness and worsens over time)

How to stop eyelid twitching?

According to the doctor, people can try getting more sleep, reducing caffeine intake, and, if nothing helps, Botox injections might alleviate the problem.

Listing other potential causes, the doctor suggests that it could also be due to anxiety and stress or a magnesium deficiency.

Twitching may come and go but usually stops after a few days or weeks.

It usually doesn't require treatment, but there are some things you can do to help, including:

• Get more rest
• Find ways to relax, stretch, and massage any muscles
• Limit caffeine intake, such as tea and coffee
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption
• Do not stop taking prescribed medications.