Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Treatments for Blepharospasm and Meige’s Syndrome

What is blepharospasm?

Blepharospasm is a neurological condition in which the eyelids are forced closed or in which the person suffers from rapid, involuntary blinking, or closure of the eyes. This can be the result of a number of different ailments including Tourrette’s syndrome, dry eyes, and tardive dyskinesia. Any involuntary twitching or closing of the eyelids falls under the category of blepharospasm. Oromandibular dystonia (OMD) is a condition that causes dysfunction in the jaw, tongue and mouth, making it difficult to speak. Meige’s syndrome consists of both blepharospasm and OMD. Meige’s Syndrome is a very similar condition that involves random blinking and chin thrusting or other mouth movement. The cause of Meige’s Syndrome is unknown, but effective treatments are discussed below.

People should know that they have options when it comes to blepharospasm and Meige’s syndrome. Both of these debilitating illnesses affect everyday life, but there are reconstructive procedures available to treat these conditions. Patients afflicted by any of these conditions should choose the right reconstructive surgeon to work with and know more about the treatments available.

It is generally recommended that anyone who is fed up or can no longer deal with the symptoms of blepharospasm or Meige’s Syndrome should pursue treatment from a certified cosmetic plastic surgeon. Those who are self-conscious about their condition are also welcome to explore their treatment options. Botox or other types of injections will always be the doctor’s first recommendation, but surgery can be performed if the injections are ineffective or if the condition is very severe.

Types of treatment for blepharospasm and Meige’s Syndrome

Both of these conditions come with few treatment options. Many plastic and reconstructive surgeons approach blepharospasm and Meige’s syndrome with Botox injections in mild cases or surgery in extreme cases. They use Botox injections to freeze the mouth, eyelids or other parts. These treatments last for several months, up to a year, before reapplications are needed. In more extreme cases, a protractor myectomy is a permanent operation that removes some or all muscles from the eyelids.

The non-surgical approach: Botox injections

Botox injections are a very popular method of treating both blepharospasm and Meige’s Syndrome. The chemical used in the injections blocks nerve impulses to the eyes and weakens the muscles that tend to go into spasm. In small doses, this treatment can be repeated every three months for a lifetime. Most our Manhattan patients experience full relief of symptoms, but some may experience eyelid drooping and blurred or double vision.

Practitioners can only operate on qualified candidates. Anyone who can tolerate Botulinum toxin is able to receive Botox injections. Protractor myectomy is an effective treatment, but most people should review non-surgical options like Botox first. In some cases, the condition becomes so severe that the person cannot open the mouth or eyes at all. This situation is a good reason to consider getting protractor myectomy.

The surgical approach:

Surgery is also available as a possible treatment option, though most patients are urged to try the non-surgical option of Botox injections before considering surgery. Protractor myectomy is the most popular surgery being used to treat blepharospasm with a 75-80% cure rate. In this procedure, some or all of the muscles responsible for closing the eyelids are removed. Good candidates for myectomy should be in good health with no life-threatening illnesses or other eye ailments.

When to pursue treatment:

Everyone should understand the significance of working with board-certified reconstructive surgeons. These professionals have medical board-approved certifications that allow them to practice certain fields of medicine like plastic or cosmetic surgery. They must finish at least five years of specialized training after medical school. They gain the experience needed to perform surgical operations on the face and body.

Blepharospasm and Meige’s syndrome are medical problems that are serious for people who suffer from regular bouts. In serious cases, these patients cannot even open their mouth or eyes and find it hard to function every day. It is important to find the right professional solutions for this problem. If you are searching for medical providers in the Manhattan area, choose a board-certified reconstructive surgeon with the right knowledge and experience. Sometimes, you can fix blepharospasm and Meige’s syndrome on your own, and other times you cannot. When there is no other option, make the effort to contact the most qualified professional right away.