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  • eye-dystonia-with-mouth-tongue-and-jaw-dystonia
  1. About dystonia
  2. Types of dystonia
  3. Eye dystonia with mouth, tongue and jaw dystonia

Eye dystonia with mouth, tongue and jaw dystonia

Other names: Meige syndrome, cranial dystonia, oral facial dystonia

Type: Focal

Meige syndrome is a neurological movement disorder characterised by continuous or intermittent muscle contractions which cause abnormal, often painful, repetitive movements in the eye/s, mouth, tongue and jaw.

Meige syndrome is actually a combination of two forms of dystonia – eye dystonia (blepharospasm) and mouth, tongue or jaw dystonia (oromandibular).

Meige syndrome should be diagnosed and treated by an ophthalmologist or a neurologist specialising in movement disorders.

What are the symptoms?

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Symptoms of Meige syndrome include:

  • excessive and uncontrollable blinking
  • muscle spasms around the eyes causing them to close
  • inability to re-open the eyes
  • dry eyes
  • eyes sensitive to light
  • muscle spasms in the jaw causing the mouth to open or close
  • muscle spasms that pull the mouth or tongue into different positions
  • difficulty opening or closing the mouth
  • difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • tremor
  • pain

Stress and anxiety are known to exacerbate the symptoms.

Published: 1st June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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Who does it affect?

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  • Symptoms usually begin between the ages of 40 and 70 years
  • Meige syndrome appears to be more common in women than men

Published: 2nd June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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What are the causes?

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Dystonia is caused by incorrect signals from the brain to the affected body part but the causes for this are not yet fully understood.

However, in some cases Meige syndrome is caused by medical drugs, notably those used to treat Parkinson’s disease. If this cause of the condition is suspected, a reduced dose may alleviate the problem.

Published: 3rd June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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What are the common treatments?

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  • Botulinum toxin injections
  • Oral medication
  • Physiotherapy
  • Self-help techniques
  • Ptosis props (eye crutches)
  • Artificial eye drops

Published: 4th June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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How will it affect my life?

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You may need to find ways to adapt and might have to learn new ways to complete everyday tasks. However, it is possible to live well with the condition and Dystonia UK is here to support you through all stages including initial onset, diagnosis, finding treatment and beyond.

You may find these coping techniques helpful:

  • Press your fingers against the temples, end of nose or other parts of your face – you need to find the spot that suits you
  • Use distraction techniques: taking a very deep breath, chewing gum, whistling, humming, sucking on a straw, singing, reading aloud or pinching yourself
  • Use relaxation techniques in a dark place
  • Put your head back, close your eyes or look down rather than trying to look ahead
  • Block out bright light by wearing a hat or visor. Wear wraparound sunglasses outdoors and tinted lenses indoors.

Published: 5th June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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You might also be interested in:

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Published: 6th June, 2020

Author: Bernie McMahon

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Dystonia UK is the operating name of The Dystonia Society. The Dystonia Society is registered as a charity in England and Wales (1062595) and in Scotland (SC042127)


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