Symptom 7: Facial Spasms
In blepharospasm, spasms can extend beyond the eyelids, affecting the other facial muscles. These spasms are involuntary and can range from mild twitching to intense muscle contractions, impacting the individual’s ability to control their facial expressions.
Facial spasms can interfere with activities like eating, speaking, or even smiling. They can also make it difficult to perform tasks that need a steady hand close to the face, such as applying makeup or shaving.
The uncontrolled facial movements can cause misunderstandings during social interactions. They may be misconstrued as signs of nervousness or dishonesty. This misinterpretation can lead to unnecessary stress and social anxiety for the person with blepharospasm.
While facial spasms alone do not confirm blepharospasm, when paired with other symptoms such as involuntary eye closure, increased blinking, and light sensitivity, they point towards a probable diagnosis. A thorough neurological examination can confirm the presence of this disorder. (7)
