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Suggest Treatment For Eyebrow Spasms
Question: Hello,
I am getting little spasms above my left eyebrow. they seem to appear when I'm tired or stressed. if I focus on them, they get worse. if I distract myself, they go away. I am 43, muscle aches and spasm seem to be more frequent. What are these and why do I get them all of sudden in the few months?
XXXXXXX
I am getting little spasms above my left eyebrow. they seem to appear when I'm tired or stressed. if I focus on them, they get worse. if I distract myself, they go away. I am 43, muscle aches and spasm seem to be more frequent. What are these and why do I get them all of sudden in the few months?
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Muscle twitching over the eyebrow may be due to damage (trauma from a hit) of the supraorbital nerve which supplies that area.
Since you say though to have muscle spasms and aches in other areas of the body other causes must be thought. One of them is benign fasciculations syndrome, a benign syndrome which apart from fasciculations (small muscle twitches or contractions) can be accompanied with cramps, abnormal sensations etc. It is commonly related to anxiety so relaxation exercises, activities like yoga and only in extreme cases anti anxiety medication are advised.
However apart from anxiety there may be some metabolic or hormonal issues influencing it like low calcium or magnesium blood levels or thyroid dysfunction. For that reason some routine blood tests are recommended like blood count, erythrosedimentation rate, electrolyte panel, thyroid function and creatine kinase (an enzyme which is elevated in many muscular diseases).
One common fear with my patients is about more serious neuromuscular conditions.Of course a physcial exam for neurological signs and at times tests like EMG (electromyography) may be needed, but usually they have other manifestations like muscle weakness and are constant, not exacerbated by anxiety and relieved when you are distracted by other stuff like in your case.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.
Muscle twitching over the eyebrow may be due to damage (trauma from a hit) of the supraorbital nerve which supplies that area.
Since you say though to have muscle spasms and aches in other areas of the body other causes must be thought. One of them is benign fasciculations syndrome, a benign syndrome which apart from fasciculations (small muscle twitches or contractions) can be accompanied with cramps, abnormal sensations etc. It is commonly related to anxiety so relaxation exercises, activities like yoga and only in extreme cases anti anxiety medication are advised.
However apart from anxiety there may be some metabolic or hormonal issues influencing it like low calcium or magnesium blood levels or thyroid dysfunction. For that reason some routine blood tests are recommended like blood count, erythrosedimentation rate, electrolyte panel, thyroid function and creatine kinase (an enzyme which is elevated in many muscular diseases).
One common fear with my patients is about more serious neuromuscular conditions.Of course a physcial exam for neurological signs and at times tests like EMG (electromyography) may be needed, but usually they have other manifestations like muscle weakness and are constant, not exacerbated by anxiety and relieved when you are distracted by other stuff like in your case.
I remain at your disposal for other questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
When i take 500 mg of magnesium I don't get heart palpitations or as many muscle issues or twitches, also these things happen more at night. how can I be this deficient in magnesium on an ongoing basis. since I have gained 25 lbs, it seems I am starting to see signs of metabolic x syndrome, but I am bordering. I also developed severe Osa sleep apnea due to small throat and deviated septum. I use cpap, but feel these issues may be related to osa being such a damaging and sneaky ailment. any thoughts?
XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
Magnesium deficiency can have many different causes but generally is due to inadequate diet consisting of processed food and sodas.
As for the symptoms being due to sleep apnea, the answer is no, that is not directly the cause. I believe the symptoms are most probably due to anxiety, the increased heart rate episodes point in that direction as well. In an indirect way lack of quality sleep may increase anxiety issues but it does not cause anxiety alone, there is a baseline anxiety disorder.
Also you mention having gained weight. That is an issue you must address through exercise and proper diet because apart from the airway issue you report overweight is the main cause in causing/aggravating sleep apnea.
I hope to have been of help.
Read below
Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the additional information.
Magnesium deficiency can have many different causes but generally is due to inadequate diet consisting of processed food and sodas.
As for the symptoms being due to sleep apnea, the answer is no, that is not directly the cause. I believe the symptoms are most probably due to anxiety, the increased heart rate episodes point in that direction as well. In an indirect way lack of quality sleep may increase anxiety issues but it does not cause anxiety alone, there is a baseline anxiety disorder.
Also you mention having gained weight. That is an issue you must address through exercise and proper diet because apart from the airway issue you report overweight is the main cause in causing/aggravating sleep apnea.
I hope to have been of help.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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