Duration of eyelid twitches
In most cases, a twitching eyelid exists only for a limited period of time. It depends a bit on the trigger. In most cases, stress and psychological strain are the cause.
If the level of tension of the affected person is reduced, the twitching eyelid usually disappears by itself. Even a magnesium deficiency, which is another trigger, can usually be quickly compensated. However, if you notice a twitching of the eye over a longer period of time, a visit to your (eye) doctor is highly recommended.
Normally, a twitching eyelid disappears again by itself after a short period. However, if the symptom persists for several weeks, one should look for the trigger. These are often harmless.
Even if the twitching eyelid has existed for weeks, it does not have to be anything threatening. However, one should in any case consult a doctor to be able to exclude serious diseases. Common triggers for a twitching eyelid are stress and emotional strain.
Sometimes these strains are so massive that the tension level of the body is so high that the twitching of the eye muscles persists for weeks. However, it can also be caused by a neurological disorder such as a tic disorder. With simple motor tics there is an uncontrollable contraction of individual muscles, e.g. a twitching eyelid.
A distinction is made between temporary tics, which last less than twelve months, and chronic tics, which last more than one year. In the case of tic disorders, the symptoms also improve spontaneously in 60% of cases. However, a drug or psychotherapeutic intervention is also possible.
Could this also be a brain tumor?
A brain tumour can also be the cause of eyelid twitching. There are two possible mechanisms of action for the development of the symptoms. For example, brain tumours can release hormones and thus cause eyelid twitching, similar to stress.
Another possibility is that the tumour in the brain presses on surrounding structures and thus leads to malfunctions. If those areas that control the activity of the muscles in the eyelids are affected, eyelid twitching can also be caused. In principle, however, these mechanisms only rarely come into effect, so that in the rarest cases, eyelid twitching is the first or only symptom of a tumor disease
All articles in this series:
