Fluttering Eyelids...cripes.

[JudyJ]

In the big picture of PSP, this is a nuisance symptom, at least for me; trying to keep things in perspective.

What has now evolved into a consistent symptom is my fluttering eyelids. Can be either eye, and either the upper or lower lids. Happens several times a day, usually for not very long.

I saw my Neurologist yesterday. He said the treatment for it is Botox injections. I laughed out loud.

I forget how the subject came up, but just a few days ago I told a friend of mine I prefer to age gracefully. And, that I'd never have cosmetic surgery, skin peeled, BOTOXED, tummy-tucked, implants, lipo-ed, etc.

He suggested I do it right away; said the Botox paralyzes the delicate muscles of the eyelids.

Told him I'll wait a bit...it's really just a nuisance.

I also found this a bit ironic since one of the common symptoms of PSP is staring due to the eyelid muscles weakening and not blinking as much.

I started having vision problems back in 2010. Didn't realize it then, but this PSP had set in & I wasn't blinking much which lead to both eyes drying out right down to the corneas; I had pits in them. Very painful. Also created cataracts; I had cataract surgeries in both eyes in 2011.

So...if the Botox paralyzes the eyelids, seems to me that would result in more staring and even less blinking....I have to use artifical tears to keep my eyes hydrated as it is, plus have permanent tear duct plugs in both eyes.

So, I'll flutter away and put the Botox on a shelf

[jillannf6]

hi judy

i ask ed muy neuro about botox a si can no longe rwea rmhyk contact lenses and my specs do nto do me any favours- v short sighted etc etc

nbut he said hta ti was nto clsoign mhy eyes enough ye tot hav e it done

lol JIll:-)ps hope hyo cna undersand my dyslexic typing - 1 hand stronger than ther other

[JudyJ]

Thanks, Jillann...I can translate your messages easily

[springbank]

My late husband had Botox every three months. He had involuntary eye closure and the injections really helped. He had one each side of the eyebrow line. He also had lower eyelashes which turned in towards the eye and had them stitched outwards, when the stitches came out they no longer rubbed on his eyes. Positive results both times. You should give the Botox a try and if not successful the effects will wear away. Anything is worth a try.

[jimandsharynp]

Judy, I'm with you on the waiting. Often doctors want to jump right to meds or other things when they aren't required at that point. Botox is a foreign substance and I'd think long and hard before having it put in my body. I may be wrong but I thought this treatment was only for eyes that wouldn't stay open or wouldn't close. Perhaps someone else knows for sure.

Jimbo

[Peter3]

Hi JudyJ,

My husband has made the same decision as you about botox. He has difficulty keeping his eyes open at times, his neurologist offered botox treatment, my husband said "no thanks". I got the feeling the neurologist was looking for some kind of treatment to offer, he normally is quite negative when we see him!

Best wishes

Peter3.

[daddyt]

I receive medical Botox for blepharospams- rapidly blinking/fluttering eyelids... this       symptom nearly drove me insane. I'm told they can go either way. So now, every three months I receive five injections around the upper and lower eyelids on both eyes. It doesn't paralyze the eyelids as some might think... that might depend on the number of units you receive. I still experience the blank stares my wife tells me and for the times when my eyes feel "dry" I'll use the artificial tears.