Blepharospasms

Filed Under Medical 

I've been having nasty bouts of blepharospasms (eyelid twitching). I suggest that if you are having them that you consider dropping caffeine (progressively; cold-turkey will give you nasty migraines) and get more sleep / less stress. I've been having issues with all three. I ingest caffeine like a fiend and I'm often so tired and stressed that I can't even sleep! Looks like I have some work to do.

More information:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000756.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blepharospasm



Comments

7 Responses to “Blepharospasms”

  1. # Fred de Vries on October 2nd, 2007 3:14 AM

    Maybe you're lucky with these mild sysptoms of caffeinism. It has a wide range of unpleasant physical and mental side-effects, including nervousness, irritability, anxiety, tremulousness, muscle twitching (hyperreflexia), insomnia, headaches, respiratory alkalosis and heart palpitations. Furthermore, because caffeine increases the production of stomach acid, high usage over time can lead to peptic ulcers, erosive esophagitis, and gastro-esophageal reflux disease.

  2. # DjLizard on October 2nd, 2007 6:14 AM

    I seriously dodged a bullet, then! Thanks for the additional (but scary sounding) information.

    Ever since I finished my last Cherry Coke last night and sweated out the rest of my caffeine (through some housework) I haven't had a problem.

    If I can make it through the day without ripping someone's head off then I am cured.

  3. # Greenknight on October 2nd, 2007 6:24 AM

    I used to get that when I was in high school – getting out of school cured it. I'd say lowering stress levels is the main thing you need to do; reduce your work load to what you can handle without burning yourself out.

    I drink quite a bit of coffee myself, but using any kind of stimulant to keep going past the limits of fatigue is something you shouldn't try to keep up for very long. You probably need some time off to recuperate.

  4. # Simon Zerafa on October 2nd, 2007 8:40 AM

    Hi,

    I used to drink coffee like it was going out of fashion back in the day. I must have not most of my vitamins from the milk and sugar ;-)

    These days if I drink more than a cup or two per day then I fall asleep! Go figure.

    Coffee does increase stomach acid as I do have excessive stomach acid anyway (with all the unpleasant symptoms) it's not something I drink regularly.

    Stress can be very serious and if you believe you are suffering from then then you need to take a break and unwind.

    Never get yourself into the mindset that you are irreplaceable or that work would fall apart without you. Trust me, they will carry on without you for a week or four!

    Kind Regards

    Simon

  5. # Tarun on October 4th, 2007 12:12 PM

    Get some bottled water that is carbonated and you'll never miss soda.

  6. # DjLizard on October 4th, 2007 5:50 PM

    Gross.

    I'm a cola and energy drink person (Coke products, Mountain Dew Amp, and Rockstar). I can't imagine carbonated water with no other flavorings, unless I misunderstood.

    I can't stand aspartame or sucralose, so "diet" drinks are also out of the question.

    I'll just drink regular water. :P

  7. # Greenknight on October 5th, 2007 6:32 AM

    Water's good :-D. Exercise also, very helpful in dealing with stress. Doesn't have to be a big deal, a 20 minute walk 3 or more days a week works wonders.

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