Ask a doctor on the topic of Neurology

Eyelid twitching - caused by a brain tumor?

November 20, 2014 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Dear doctors,

I have been experiencing constant eyelid twitching for the past six months. This is not the typical eyelid twitching that everyone is familiar with, but rather a very fine vibration of my right upper eyelid that is also visible to others. It vibrates all day, almost continuously. I have already seen an ophthalmologist and a neurologist, who attribute it to stress. However, I am not aware of any significant stress in my life, but now I am afraid that the eyelid twitching may have a serious underlying cause. My blood mineral levels are supposedly normal. I have tried to combat the eyelid twitching with eye drops, magnesium, Schuessler salts, etc. but without success, except for a two-week period when I took a very high dose of magnesium (about 900 mg) per day. Unfortunately, the twitching has returned, and even with high magnesium intake, it persists. I am now worried that it could be a brain tumor, as I found this as a possible cause for eyelid twitching online. I do not have any other symptoms. Can you reassure me? Or do you think it would be appropriate to have an MRI done?

Thank you for your advice.

Sincerely,

Dr. med. Frauke Gehring

Good day,

No conceivable brain tumor would cause only eyelid twitching as the sole symptom for over half a year! Therefore, and because the neurological examination seems to have been normal, I see no reason for an MRI (only if serious other disorders were to arise, which I do not anticipate).

Schüssler salts are generally ineffective, eye drops will not help here, and magnesium in such high doses is also not healthy. I would highly recommend limiting screen time, whether on a computer, phone, or TV. Often it is not stress, but simply strained eyes from too much screen "work". Spend more time outdoors, let your eyes wander into the distance, and practice relaxation exercises such as progressive muscle relaxation by Jacobson.

Then it should improve.

Warm regards,
Dr. Höllering