What's Going On with My Eyelid?!
Age: 35, Height: 5’3”, Weight: 182 lbs. I’m currently undergoing evaluation for various neurological symptoms, which include hyperreflexia accompanied by delayed leg extension, a known history of hyperreflexia, and a positive Hoffman sign alongside a pectoralis spread. Additionally, I'm presenting autoimmune indicators such as an ANA result of 1:1280 speckled, borderline dsDNA, along with a previous indeterminate scl-70 of 0.9 and an indeterminate ACL at 17. I'm also dealing with severe fatigue, a past of bilateral ECU tendonitis, and TFCC tenosynovitis. To top it off, there's nocturnal hypoxemia, dipping to 82% while having an Apnea-Hypopnea Index of less than 4. This leads to difficulty maintaining concentration, requiring a stimulant to stay alert throughout the day. I was previously diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) purely based on occurrences of hypopneas. My husband claims I tend to "forget to breathe"—this has been validated, as monitoring my oxygen saturation levels often triggers alarms when they drop, only to recover after I take a deep breath. This issue dates back to when I was at a healthier weight of 120 lbs. I may also have ADHD, coupled with diagnosed anxiety and depression. I underwent gastric sleeve surgery in February 2025, resulting in a weight loss of 96 lbs. My recent complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) have come back normal, though my ferritin and iron saturation are slightly low but trending upward. Additionally, I have a history of benign pineal gland cysts and a 5-6mm right-sided cerebellar tonsillar ectopia, without any imaging indications of cerebrospinal fluid obstruction. Moreover, I frequently trip and fall. Current Medications: Sertraline, Omeprazole, Methylphenidate ER. In summary—There’s a lot on my plate medically, but here's the particular problem that’s bothering me today. It's somewhat subtle and hard to notice, but it concerns the outer part of my upper eyelid. As of today, my right eyelid has been twitching uncontrollably and in short bursts! What could be causing this, and why does it occur so frequently? It's becoming quite bothersome!
Answers (1)
8/29/2025, 12:26:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a lot of complex health issues, and your current concern about the twitching of your right eyelid is understandable. Eyelid twitching, known medically as myokymia, is often benign and can be influenced by several factors.
Main Points:
- Eyelid twitching is usually harmless and can be caused by stress, fatigue, caffeine intake, or dry eyes.
- Given your unique medical history and ongoing neurological evaluation, it’s important to consider these factors in context.
- You can take some practical steps to manage the twitching.
Explanation:
Eyelid twitching often arises from muscle spasms in the eyelid. Common triggers include:
- Fatigue: Your severe fatigue could be a contributing factor.
- Stress: Anxiety can lead to muscle tension, which may trigger twitching.
- Caffeine: High intake can exacerbate twitching.
- Dry Eyes: Conditions like this can result in irritation and spasms.
In many cases, eyelid twitching resolves on its own, especially if the triggers are identified and managed.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Rest and Relax: Ensure you're getting adequate sleep and managing stress, as both can help reduce eyelid twitching.
- Limit Caffeine: If you consume caffeine, try reducing your intake to see if that helps alleviate the twitching.
- Stay Hydrated: Ensure you drink plenty of water, as dehydration can lead to muscle spasms.
- Use Warm Compresses: Applying a warm washcloth to your eyelid for a few minutes can help relax the muscle.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a brief diary of when the twitching occurs, noting any potential triggers or changes in mood, fatigue, or activities.
Given your complex medical background, if the twitching persists or worsens, or if you develop additional symptoms like changes in vision, it’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Remember, you're not alone in navigating these challenges, and it's okay to seek support for any of your ongoing symptoms or concerns.
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