Kurcz powiek – od rozpoznania do właściwego leczenia

Abstract

Background: Blepharospasm is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary spasms of eye-closing muscles. This second most common adult-onset focal dystonia still raises many doubts among ophthalmologists and neurologists. Aim of the study: To present current knowledge about blepharospasm with historical background of the disease. Methods: Literature review regarding diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of blepharospasm. Results: Different types of eye-closing spasms, the spread of dystonia, co-occurrence of eyelid opening apraxia, enhanced blinking, sensory trick and psychiatric disorders define blepharospasm as a heterogeneous condition. Actual genetic, electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies reveal complex and multifocal involuntary movements generators defining blepharospasm and other focal dystonias as a ”communication node disorders” where botulinum toxin acting at the end of all pathways is the first-line treatment. Conclusions: The history of blepharospasm as a neurological condition that affects the eye shows that the most important discoveries regarding the diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of this disease have occurred owing to ophthalmologists and neurologists. Therefore, the future of blepharospasm will also depend on this cooperation.