Treatment of Benign Essential Blepharospasm with Cyproheptadine

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Abstract
Benign essential blepharospasm may be severely incapacitating. The disorder is characterized by bilateral, progressively debilitating spasm of the orbicularis oculi and upper facial muscles, ultimately interfering with vision. Current pharmacologic and surgical approaches are not satisfactory, in that they require radical measures and yet are often of only temporary benefit. For example, the use of local injections of botulinus A toxin to produce neuromuscular blockade is investigational, and its effects may last only a few months1; myectomy, an operation involving the extirpation of eyelid muscles, usually requires lengthy surgery and general anesthesia.2