Some Idea about Eyelid Myoclonia

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Eyelid myoclonia was first described by Radovici and colleagues. Eyelid myoclonia is a frequent and rhythmical blinking or fluttering of the eyelids. It is typical part of generalized epilepsy syndrome and mainly connected with absence seizure type. Jerks of the eyelids are repetitive, very fast and vary in number or range. In very rare cases eyelid myoclonia is associated with jerking of hands. Eyelid myoclonia occurs during the first second of the EEG discharge and grater than 3 repetitive eyelid jerks occur in one seizure.

What are causes of eyelid myoclonia?

• Flickering lights is common cause of eyelid myoclonia
• Sleep deprivation
• Menstruation
  
• Fatigue
  
• Photosensitivity persons.

Eyelid myoclonia associated with absences (Jeavons syndrome)

In 1977 Jeavons was first person who described eyelid myoclonia with absences which is called as Jeavons syndrome. Syndrome is associated with fast fluttering of the eyelids, jerky upward movements of eyeballs and sometimes movement of head also happen after eye closure and it is referred as eyelid myoclonia without absences. It is followed by gentle destruction to consciousness which is referring as eyelid myoclonia with absences. Electroencephalogram shows high amplitude slow-wave discharges consisting of multiple spikes and having frequency of 3-5 Hz. Seizure lasts for 3 to 6 seconds and patients are photosensitive.

Precipitating factors of eyelid myoclonia

Most common precipitating factors in eyelid myoclonia are eye closure. It may voluntary, involuntary, or reflection to light. Eye closure is ineffective in darkness. Along with increased age photosensitivity of person decreases.

What is best treatment for eyelid myoclonia?

• Eyelid myoclonia is resistant to medication
  
• Medicines such as sodium valproate, lamotrigine, ethosuximide, topiramate, zonisamide or levetiracetam are recommended by doctors.
  
• Sodium valproate is used with combination of ethosuximide or a benzodiazepine.