Having the eye that jumps or the eyelid that trembles has already happened to all of us. These episodes of brief involuntary muscle contractions are most often transient and benign. But in very rare cases, they can be a sign of a more serious pathology.
The causes of tremor of the eyelids (“fasciculations”) can be multiple but, in general, it is fatigue that causes them. Stress, dry or tired eyes, lack of sleep or magnesium, excessive physical activity and prolonged exposure to screens are other sources that can cause this reaction.
A seemingly harmless spasm…
This phenomenon causes embarrassment and discomfort but it is not serious and not painful. Rather reassuring. These twitching of the eyelid occurring for no apparent reason are called “blepharospasm” by doctors, blepharon meaning “eyelid” in Greek.
These fasciculations can also extend to other organs of the human body. The arms, legs or tongue may also start shaking. That said, the eyelids, as well as the tongue, are most commonly affected.
… which can sometimes reveal a severe pathology
If one is subject to frequent eyelid tremors and if the phenomenon lasts for several weeks continuously, it is best to consult a doctor. The latter can go so far as to pass an electromyogram in order to detect whether or not it is a severe pathology.
In very rare cases, episodes of fasciculation can be a sign of certain neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Charcot’s disease, Gilles de la Tourette syndrome or Lyme disease.
Magnesium, a key factor
For those whose fasciculations are not the sign of a serious illness, a better lifestyle can help get rid of them. Thus, it is advisable to improve your sleep, reduce the doses of caffeine, or even take a potassium cure. The diet must also be modified and it is preferable to favor foods rich in magnesium such as green vegetables, whole grains, oilseeds, legumes, certain mineral waters…
The loss of magnesium, one of the factors causing these jumps, must be monitored with vigilance. Indeed, it can increase vulnerability to stress and lead to a feeling of exhaustion or chronic fatigue.
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