Blepharospasm Round-Up (Guest Lecture)

The patient is a 60 year old estate manager with a history of retinal laser therapy, dry eyes and age related bilateral ptosis. He carries a diagnosis of hilar lymphadenopathy due to sarcoid and has had cancer of the kidney. He presented in 1995 with a 6 month history of frequent blinking and spasms of eye closure that he could not control. He reported driving cautiously because his eyes may shut completely during a spasm and interrupt his vision. He experienced difficulty watching television and reading. These symptoms were aggravated by stress, fatigue, and having to attend social functions which he found embarrassing. He denied any involuntary movements of his lower face. Family History: Negative for blepharospasm, dystonia or neurodegenerative disease including Parkinson's Disease. Past History: Negative for depression and the use of narcoleptic drugs. See also: http://content.lib.utah.edu/cdm/ref/collection/ehsl-shw/id/30