Is Eye Twitching a Sign of a Stroke? Causes & Treatments

Eye twitching is an involuntary movement of the eyelid muscle, and most people experience twitching from time to time. In most cases, eye twitching is harmless.

However, in rare cases, twitching accompanied by other neurological symptoms may be a sign of something more serious, like a stroke In this article, we’ll discuss these rare instances and what you should do.

When is Eye Twitching a Sign of Stroke?

Eyelid twitches (eyelid myokymia) are usually harmless and often go away on their own. However, it can be a sign of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) if it’s accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• Numbness or drooping on one side of the face
• Numbness or weakness in the arms and legs, especially on one side of the body
• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
• Sudden blurred vision, double vision, or vision loss in one or both eyes
• Sudden dizziness, trouble with coordination, or loss of balance
• Severe headache

What is a TIA?

TIA, also known as a mini-stroke, begins the same way as a stroke. Unlike a stroke, the blockage in a TIA is temporary. 

Normal blood flow resumes on its own, usually within a few minutes or hours. However, a TIA must be taken seriously because it’s often a warning sign for possible future strokes.

When Should You Call For Help?

Even if you think your symptoms are mild, it’s important to seek medical care if you suspect a stroke. Especially if your eye twitching is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Persistent eyelid twitching that lasts a few weeks
• Complete closure of the eyelids and difficulty opening the eyes after each twitch
• Eye twitching is accompanied by twitching in other parts of the body
• Swollen or red eyes
• Discharge from the eyes
• Droopy eyelids
• Slurred speech

Find an Eye Doctor and Act Fast

Knowing the signs and symptoms of a stroke can help you act fast. If you think someone has a stroke, just remember to act F.A.S.T.:

• F — Face. Check if one side of the face is drooping, especially the eyelids.
• A — Arms. Ask them to raise both hands and observe if one is weak (drifts downwards).
• S — Speech. Ask them a question and check for slurred/strange speech or difficulty understanding.
• T — Time. Every minute counts. Call 911 immediately for emergency assistance. 

Promptly consulting an eye care specialist can provide clarity, reassurance, and essential treatment.

VisionCenter.org's "Find an Eye Doctor" tool can quickly connect you with trusted ophthalmologists near you.

Other Potential Concerns Related to Eye Twitching

Aside from a stroke, a few other rare conditions can be indicated by eyelid twitching. One such condition is benign essential blepharospasm (BEB).

BEB is a rare neurological condition that involves involuntary blinking or eye closure. It affects both eyes and worsens with bright light or stress. BEB is often treated with botulinum toxin injections.

Another condition related to eye twitching is a hemifacial spasm. This condition involves an involuntary spasm on one side of the face, including the eyelid and cheek muscles.

A hemifacial spasm is caused by a blood vessel compressing the facial nerve. It can progressively worsen without treatment.

How to Stop Eye Twitching

When unrelated to a stroke, mild eye twitching often resolves without intervention. However, there are some things you can do to facilitate the process:

• Get enough sleep
• Reduce alcohol intake
• Reduce caffeine consumption
• Avoid stress 
• Engage in stress-reducing activities such as exercise
• Use artificial tears to treat dry eyes