In recent discussions surrounding involuntary eye twitching due to fatigue and stress, it's become commonplace to hear suggestions regarding potential magnesium deficiency.
However, Korea University Anam Hospital points out that such nutritional deficiencies are rare, and involuntary eye-twitching symptoms more commonly arise from stress, excessive caffeine, fatigue, or muscle tension, which can improve with rest.
Yet, if twitching persists and spreads to other facial areas, it may indicate a more serious condition known as facial spasm.
Facial spasms occur independently of personal will, causing repeated muscle movements in the face. While most cases are unilateral, affecting only one side of the face, including the eyes, mouth, and neck areas, bilateral symptoms around the eyes, known as blepharospasm, and secondary spasms following facial paralysis can also occur.
The condition often stems from various stimuli affecting the facial nerve as it exits the brainstem. Stress and hormones can exacerbate the situation, and aging-related vascular changes compressing the facial nerve are also a common cause.
Early-stage unilateral facial spasms can improve with medication, but prolonged treatment may lead to drug resistance. In such cases, injection therapy or surgical interventions, including microvascular decompression, offer long-term solutions.
For accurate diagnosis and treatment planning, a combination of MRI and electromyography is used to assess the condition of the facial nerve.
Professor Jang Jin-woo of the Department of Neurosurgery at Korea University Anam Hospital emphasizes the importance of personalized treatment plans, as the causes of facial spasms vary among patients.
Professor Jang, renowned for conducting over 5,000 microvascular decompression surgeries for facial spasms, began seeing patients at Korea University Anam Hospital in March.
"It's crucial to carefully decide on a treatment plan based on the advice of specialists, considering the individual needs and causes of the patient's condition," Professor Jang said.