Myokymia

Each part of the body has a vital role in the performance and proper functioning of its component. A condition in which muscle trembles without the movement of the joint. It comes from different causes and needs to be treated depending on the severity of the condition.

What do you mean by Myokymia

The term Myokymia was derived from the Greek word “myo” which means muscle and “kymos” meaning wave, describes as slow swelling contractions of muscle fibres is and a structure of unconscious muscular movement, usually can be visualize on the skin as vermicular or uninterrupted wrinkle movements of the body. It was used hundred (100) years ago by Schultze that describes a certain condition wherein there is a slow, continuous and swelling reduction of the muscles particularly in the part of the eye lids involving the lower eyelid and often the upper eyelid, face, feet and hand. It is also practical in healthy individuals after an exhausting exercise. In addition, it is also known as blepharospasm, usually unilateral (one eye only) and more often involves the lower eyelid instead of the upper part.

This condition is also a manifestation of peripheral nerve disease and is classified as an excess motor unit activity. It can be resolve unexpectedly, but it can also last up to three (3) weeks and extremely irritating.

Generally, this certain condition may be separated into (5) categories based on the location. It needs to be noted that it must be managed properly when handling such treatments for these condition are especially high-risk for developing more severe infections if not treated immediately.

The following are the five (5) varieties of myokymia that are based on their visibility. The following are as follows:

• Facial Myokymia
• Orbicularis myokymia
• Degmental myokymia
• Ocular myokymia
• Superior oblique myokymia

Facial Myokymia

• The involuntary movement of muscles of the face. It is also the most frequently encountered type of myokymia that is associated with swelling diseases that controls eyelid opening and closure, resulting in eyelid twitching
• Occurs mostly in patients specially those who have a history of radiotherapy, lumbar plexopathy, and etc.

Orbicularis Mykomia

• Frequently occurs in young people, otherwise healthy individuals.

Degmental Myokymia

• Typically observed mainly in the limbs segment of the body.

Ocular Myokymia

• A kind of myokymia that is often linked to fatigue.

Superior Oblique Myokymia

• Also known as the Isaac Syndrome in which muscle weakness with excessive sweating are commonly associated with this certain condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms and signs of a myokymia can appear immediately or can take as much as three (3) to five (5) days to develop. Symptoms and signs can include:

• Pain in the affected area
• Cramps
• Stiffness of some body parts
• Sweating
• Spasms
• Dry eyes
• Rapid movement of the eyelid
• Constant muscle contractions

Causes

There are many different causes of myokymia including:

• Too much caffeine
• Elevated point of anxiety
• Fatigue
• Mental or physical stress
• Overwork
• Allergies and antihistamines
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Intake of certain drugs
• Lack of sleep
• Nutritional imbalances
• Lack of potassium and magnesium

Treatment

Here are some samples of treatments / remedies that you may apply for myokymia. The following are as follows:

• Exercise Regularly – (walking, yoga, dancing, etc.)

Exercise for at least thirty (30) minutes everyday. Maintain this habit and you will see the desired result. to keep the muscles in motion and relieve oneself from the pain caused due to muscle contraction.

• You may need the help of a pediatrician in case the condition for he / she may prescribe a medication to treat it and to clear up the affected area and assess the severity for possible eye strain of the affected person.

• Avoiding too much intake of alcohol

Serves as an effective treatment for this condition by increasing blood flow

• Warm compress applied to the eyes

Helps to relieve muscle tension, relax the muscles, and reduce swelling of the affected area.

• Small dosage of antihistamine

Helps in reducing swelling that caused by an allergic reaction.

• Taking certain medications such as carbamazepine and phenytoin

It is generally given to get relief from myokymia.

• Injections such as BOTOX

It is used to provide relief from the painful effects of myokymia.

• Maintaining proper hygiene

• Boost the intake of vitamin C and other foodstuffs in your diet,

They help to fight and bring you relief from such severe infection.

Take the following preventive steps/ measures that greatly support in the treatment of myokymia. These may include:

• Do not exert yourself.
• Try to relax.
• Go slow on alcohol.
• Cut down caffeine intake.
• Have sufficient sleep.
• Avoid stress.
• Keep a check on anxiety.

Recovery Time

Typically, it takes from a minimum of one (1) week or a month longer or may varies extensively to heal the twitchy eyelid.