[Idiopathic blepharospasm. Clinical and electrophysiological investigations in 27 patients (author's transl)]

Idiopathic blepharospasm is reexamined and the differential diagnosis discussed on the basis of the signs and symptoms of 27 unpublished cases. As in tardive dyskinesia, middle-aged and elderly women are mostly affected. Contrary to general opinion, spontaneous improvement occurred in about one-fifth of the patients. The habituation of the orbicularis oculi reflexes (investigated electromyographically) was diminished in 52% of the patients. These and other symptoms indicate an organic cerebral lesion as the main cause of the disease. Similarities existing between blepharospasm and torticollis spasticus are discussed.