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Gaze-evoked orbicularis oculi myokymia
1Department of Medicine, Franklin Medical Center, Greenfield, Massachusetts, USA.
Summary
Six patients with persistent gaze-evoked orbicularis oculi myokymia (GEOM) were studied. GEOM appears to be a congenital, benign brain-stem synkinesis, often without other neurological issues.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Gaze-evoked orbicularis oculi myokymia (GEOM) is an uncommon condition.
- Understanding its origin and associated neurological features is important for diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe cases of isolated GEOM.
- To investigate potential associated cranial synkinesis and neurological findings.
Main Methods:
- Case series describing six patients with GEOM.
- Clinical examination and neurological assessment.
Main Results:
- All six patients presented with pronounced, persistent, isolated GEOM.
- No brain-stem lesions were identified in any patient.
- Two patients exhibited unusual cranial synkinesis; others had asymmetric blinking, pseudoblepharoclonus, or buccopharyngeal synkinesis.
Conclusions:
- GEOM is likely a congenital, benign oculofacial synkinesis originating in the brain-stem.
- It can occur in isolation or be associated with other cranial synkinesis.
- Ptosis and pupillary changes were notably absent.