Can magnesium help with a twitchy eyelid?

Magnesium plays an important role in the transmission of stimuli to the nerves and thus the functioning of our muscles. A magnesium deficiency causes muscle cramps and twitching, also in the eye muscles. Taking magnesium can therefore counteract a possible magnesium deficiency and stop the eye twitching.

Magnesium is not produced by our body itself and must therefore be taken in with food. Foods rich in magnesium include lentils, corn, oatmeal, almonds and rice. In case of a severe deficiency, magnesium can also be taken as a dietary supplement in powder form. Adults have a daily requirement of about 300 to 400 mg of magnesium per day.

This is the diagnosis

Short-term eye twitching that does not persist does not usually require a visit to a doctor. However, if the eye twitching persists over a longer period of time or if the symptoms are very severe, a medical examination should be performed. The doctor examines the eye and can determine by means of a blood test whether, for example, a magnesium deficiency or hyperthyroidism is responsible for the eye twitch.

If a neurological disease is suspected, such as a brain tumor or multiple sclerosis, a referral to a neurologist is made. The neurologist uses special tests to determine whether there is damage to the nerves. Possible masses or inflammation in the brain can be ruled out by imaging procedures such as an MRI.

The upper eyelid of the eye is used to protect against foreign bodies and injuries. A proper eyelid closure ensures that the tear film is evenly distributed over the entire eyeball. Twitching of the upper eyelid is due to excessive activation of the eye muscles by nerve impulses.

The most frequent causes of twitching are physical or psychological stress. Another cause of twitching on the upper eyelid is nervous tics. In the case of a tic disorder, patients twitch their eyelids, blink, wink and cut facial grimaces. The affected persons cannot control the abrupt twitching arbitrarily and the psychological stress is correspondingly high. The best known tic disorder is Tourette’s syndrome.