Question:
What could cause nerve twitches below eyes?

I have had nerves twitching off and on under my eyes (more my left eye than right) for about two weeks now. It is extremely annoying and embarressing. Could this be a result of a B12 deficiancy? I already know I need to see my Dr. about bad charlie horses and craving chaulk (obvious vitamin deficiencies) I just want to know if this is something else to add to that list. Any input/advice would be greatly appreciated. BTW I take a multivite/b12 with vit D/and 2 calcium citrate a day...I have doubled the B12 though about 2 weeks ago. I take it with my second calcium. I started doubling the multivit but had to stop as it was making me jittery and giving me bad tastes in my mouth. -Kim open proximal (150cm) RNY 7/17/01 -150    — KimBo36 (posted on May 28, 2003)

May 28, 2003
Hi Kim, I get those twitches that will last for weeks...so annoying!! My dr. told me they can be from stress. But I've also read cramping & twitches can be from lack of potassium. I'd be interested to see what it is! Vicki V.--pre-op
   — Vicki V.

May 28, 2003
I get twitching in my left eyelid quite often, more so when I'm stressed. I've had it for years or at least since I've been an adult. No vitamin deficiencies here. Have you ever had an injury to the eye? When I was a child I bumped my eyebrow area on the edge of a table and needed stitches, the same spot where I now get the twitches.
   — mary ann T.

May 28, 2003
The twitch is called a blepharospasm, and they can be directly related to stress. Don't bother calling your ophtalmologist, the only treatment for it is actually botox in the lid muscle and that would paralyze some of the lid function. The only thing I would reccomend is to do some relaxation exercises, find a way to reduce stress, get plenty of sleep. I had one once in my left lower lid through a really stressful time that lasted for 3 weeks! Breate in, breathe out, breathe in, breathe out....
   — Sarah S.

May 28, 2003
My eye doctor said it's from eye strain and/or stress. He said it's helpful to lay down and put a warm wash cloth over your eyes for 5-10 minutes. Actually, that's pretty good advice whether you've got a twitch or not! Good luck to you.
   — Kim A.

May 29, 2003
When I've had these in the past (back in the day when I could make it thru without a few Pepsis), they just drove me NUTS, so I know what you're going through. My doc said that stress can cause them, but that too much caffeine can cause them as well. Once I cut back on the caffeine, the twitches stopped. HTH!
   — Laurie A.