Eye twitching is the involuntary movement of the eye. Eye twitching is typically caused by muscle spasms around the eyes, and it frequently coexists with headaches. Numerous factors can trigger muscle spasms. Although usually not harmful, they can be inconvenient.
Some people assert that headaches and eye twitching might be related. Not all of the causes of eye twitching and headaches are serious. But occasionally, there is a reason to be concerned.
This article explores the relationship between eye twitching and headaches, additional eye twitching causes, and when to contact a doctor.
headaches and eye twitching
Eye twitching can occasionally occur together with headaches. In the same way that headaches can cause eye twitching, the opposite is also true.
Migraine
A migraine is a neurological condition that, among other symptoms, can result in excruciating head pain. 39 million individuals in the United States suffer from migraines, according to the American Migraine Foundation.
Some signs could be:
vision issues sensitivity to light and sound, nausea, or severe headaches
Although eye symptoms may not always be present, a small 2012 study found that hemifacial spasms (HFS), a type of facial spasm, can be a potential migraine consequence.
recurring headaches
2008 researchTrusted Source connected the headache type known as cluster headaches with eye twitching.
The word “cluster headache” comes from the fact that these pains typically come in groups. Cluster headaches can cause symptoms involving the autonomic nervous system in addition to severe pain.
Cluster headache sufferers may encounter the following signs and symptoms:
runny nose, drooping eyelids, and eyelid edema
causes of twitching eyes
It’s possible that an individual’s eye twitching and headaches are caused by the same trigger even though they are unrelated to one another. Eye twitching and headaches don’t often go hand in hand, although they might both happen simultaneously in response to the same stimulus.
Some of the causes of headaches with eye twitching include:
Fatigue
When someone is very weary (or fatigued), they frequently report having headaches, eye twitches, or a mix of the two.
worry or tension
Both headaches and eye twitching can be brought on by stress, anxiety, and depression. In order to lessen the negative effects stress might have on one’s health, a person may want to take action if they encounter one of those symptoms.
Caffeine
Overdosing on caffeine can also result in headaches and twitching of the eyes. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that consuming too much caffeine (around 4-5 cups of coffee daily) might result in headaches and jitters.
The FDA also warns that abrupt caffeine reduction can result in withdrawal symptoms. To prevent any new symptoms, a person who wants to reduce their caffeine intake owing to unfavorable symptoms should talk it over with their healthcare provider.
ADVERTISEMENT
Duration
Except when they are caused by an underlying illness, eye twitches are often transient. Sometimes, eye twitching just lasts a few seconds. Or it could take place infrequently, like a few times each minute, or never at all.
Additional reasons for eye twitching
Other illnesses can also manifest as eye twitching.
HFS essential benign blepharospasm
Nystagmus in the Meige syndrome
spasms in the face (HFS)
One side of a person’s face may spasm, twitch, or otherwise move due to HFS, a neuromuscular condition. It typically begins near the eyes, although it can also affect the muscles in the lower part of the face.
There may be a link between HFS and migraines, although sometimes the cause of HFS is an injury to a facial nerve or pressure from blood vessels on the nerves.
Essential blepharospasm that is benign (BEB)
The muscles around the eye spontaneously contract and spasm as a result of the uncommon neurological disorder BEB.
Early goals from Mara and Djenepo helped Southampton defeat Manchester City.
The National Eye Institute Trusted Source claims that BEB happens when the area of the brain in charge of coordinating the muscles of the eyelids starts to malfunction.
Syndrome Meige
In Meige syndrome, the tongue and jaw muscles as well as every other facial muscle spasm.
Meige is a form of dystonia, a neurological disorder characterized by uncontrollable muscle contractions.
Nystagmus
Nystagmus is the term used by specialists to describe when a person’s eyes move swiftly and erratically. This can make someone feel as though their eye is twitching when, in fact, the sensation is being caused by their eyes moving.
Nystagmus typically affects both eyes, as opposed to eye twitching, which frequently affects only one eye.
Less frequent reasons
Eye twitching may also result from dry eyes. The twitching might stop if the dry eye is treated with eye drops or another lubricant treatment.
Rarely, eye twitching may instead be brought on by a problem with the brain or neurological system, like:
Tourette’s disorder
Parkinson’s condition
Multiple sclerosis spastic-paretic facial contracture Bell’s palsy
A person should consult a healthcare provider to rule out any of the above if they observe that their eye twitching occurs along with any other involuntary movements in other areas of the body.
When to get assistance
Usually, twitching eyes go away on their own without any help.
A person should schedule a consultation with their doctor if they have eye twitching and a headache that lasts for more than a few weeks. They can rule out anything serious in this way.
Additionally, individuals should speak with their healthcare provider if
The eye totally closes as it twitches, there is discharge coming from the eye, the eye is puffy, red, or inflamed, and the twitching is also present elsewhere on the body or face.
The eyelid is slanted
Healthcare providers may inquire about a range of topics, including lifestyle, the time when symptoms first appeared, and whether anything appeared to be a cause for the symptoms.
For eye twitching, doctors may wish to consider alternatives like Botox. A doctor might also advise Botox if a patient has migraines. The twitching of the eye may stop if the underlying problem that is causing it is treated.
In conclusion, headaches and eye twitching are sometimes related. Eye twitching can induce headaches, and headaches can cause eye twitching, but occasionally there’s no connection between the two.
Another possibility is that the same factors that make someone feel headaches also make them twitch their eyes.
If eye twitching continues, a medical specialist can detect any significant diseases and rule out other possibilities.
types of blepharitis and causes
If someone gets eye twitching coupled with headaches for more than a week, or if they have any additional symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention.