Is Eye Twitching a Sign of Stroke?
Eye twitching is an involuntary muscle movement.
It happens when there’s an issue with the muscles that control how the eyelids move.
It could be harmless or indicate a more serious condition affecting the brain and nervous system, like stroke.
The World Stroke Organization says that around 12.2 million people suffer a stroke annually.
Keep reading to know whether or not your eye twitches are signaling a stroke.
When is eye twitching a sign of stroke
Eye twitching in itself is not a sign of a stroke.
However, when accompanied by other symptoms, eyelid twitching could signal a stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA).
TIA or ministroke refers to a brief interruption of blood flow to a part of the brain, retina, or spinal chord. It may cause temporary symptoms which mimic those of a stroke. But these do not cause any permanent damage to the brain cells.
Signs of stroke are often addressed by doctors using the FAST acronym.
Face
Ask the person to smile. Check if their face droops or if the smile is uneven.
Also, check for numbness around the face.
Arms
Have the person raise their arms. Check if one is weak or numb.
Also, check if one arm drifts down.
Speech
Ask the person to speak and check if they have slurred or have trouble speaking.
Time
If all these symptoms are present, call for help.
A minute might make a huge difference.
Besides those mentioned above, the following could also be indicators of a stroke.
- Numbness or weakness of the face or limbs, especially on one side of the body
- Trouble seeing
- Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, etc.
- Severe headache
- Fainting briefly
- Vomiting, nausea, or trouble swallowing
Also Read: Want to what are the actual causes of Endometriosis? Read our informative article, “Causes of Eye Twitching: Understanding the Underlying“.
Excessive eye twitching: when to see a doctor
Eyelid twitching often goes away on its own after some time.
But you need to see a doctor if you experience the following:
- Eye twitching that lasts for days or weeks
- Swollen red eyes
- Eye discharge
- Droopy eyes
- Eye twitching accompanied by twitching in other body parts
- Trouble opening eyes completely
- Complete closure of the lids
Also Read: Read “Eye Twitching Remedy â Tips to Relieve” to know what suggestions your doctor can make to get rid of eye twitching.
Takeaway
Eye twitching is pretty common. Most people experience eyelid twitches from time to time.
It is usually harmless, but in rare cases, when accompanied by other symptoms, it might be a sign of some serious neurological condition, including a stroke.
Doctors use the FAST (Face, Arms, Speech, Time) acronym to refer to the signs of stroke.
Besides, if you experience excessive eye twitching, you should see a doctor for the best diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is eye twitching a sign of?
Eye twitching in itself is not a sign of anything serious. Most of the time, they mean that you need to take some time to relax and calm down. On rare occasions, it could be a sign of a more serious condition affecting the brain and nervous system.
Is eye twitching a warning sign?
Eye twitching is rarely a sign severe enough to require medical treatment. However, prolonged eye twitches may be a symptom of a more serious nervous system problem. It is advisable to connect with a doctor in such chronic cases.
Is twitching an early sign of a stroke?
Eye twitching by itself is not a sign of a stroke. It can, however, be one of the signs that occur alongside significant telltale signs of stroke. These include a drooping smile, numbness in the face and limbs, slurred speech, dizziness, blurred vision, etc.
When should I see a neurologist for eye twitching?
Eye twitching is not a neurological issue and often resolves by itself. However, certain neurological conditions might cause eye twitching, such as acoustic neuroma, BEB, etc. Consult a neurologist if signs of such neurological conditions accompany your eye twitches.
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