Year: 2024
Type: review
Abstract: Blepharospasm is a focal dystonia characterized by involuntary tetanic contractions of the orbicularis oculi muscle, which can lead to functional blindness and loss of independent living ability in severe cases. It usually occurs in adults, with a higher incidence rate in women than in men. The etiology and pathogenesis of this disease have not been elucidated to date, but it is traditionally believed to be related to the basal ganglia. Studies have also shown that this is related to the decreased activity of inhibitory neurons in the cerebral cortex caused by environmental factors and genetic predisposition. Increasingly, studies have focused on the imbalance in the regulation of neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, in blepharospasm. The onset of the disease is insidious, and the misdiagnosis rate is high based on history and clinical manifestations. This article reviews the etiology, epidemiological features, and pathogenesis of blepharospasm, to improve understanding of the disease by neurologists and ophthalmologists.
Source: Frontiers in Neurology
Authors: Lixia Zhu, Hongmei Meng, Wuqiong Zhang, Wenjing Xie, Huaiyu Sun, Shuai Hou
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Neurology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,295
OpenAlex ID: W4390745809