Reader Question Lucas Jose Cruz, Pirai do Sul, PR
Illustrates Marcos de Lima
Edition Felipe van Deursen
The exact reason is not known. The phenomenon, called myokymia, happens when the sympathetic nervous system (connected to functions such as pupil dilation and increased blood pressure) releases hormones, such as adrenaline, towards the muscle of the orbit of the eye. eye. These involuntary twitches are a stress response, but they can also be caused by insomnia, anxiety, or excessive caffeine or alcohol intake. Myokymia treatment is simple. Rest breaks and well-slept nights usually do the trick. But if in doubt, consult a doctor.
- 1. Stress overloads the sympathetic autonomic nervous system
- 2. It reacts and releases a dose of hormones, like adrenaline
– (Marcos de Lima/)
- 3. Neurotransmitters carry this hormonal discharge to the palpebral orbicularis muscle
– (Marcos de Lima/)
calm down
Meet the hardcore version of heartbeat
Blepharospasm is much more serious than myokymia. It is a condition that involves pulsations in various parts of the body and may require surgery. It is not known for sure what causes it, but photophobia (intolerance to light stimuli) and unusual stress situations are suspected. Blepharospasm is dangerous because, in severe cases, it can cause partial or complete loss of vision.
SOURCE American Academy of Ophthalmology
CONSULTANCY Joel Silveira Filho, professor of ophthalmology at Unigranrio (Rio de Janeiro)