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Multiple Choice

Which focal dystonia is characterized by bilateral simultaneous contractions of the eyelid and sometimes forehead muscles, potentially causing functional blindness?

Blepharospasm is a focal dystonia of the eyes. It involves involuntary, often bilateral contractions of the eyelid muscles (and can recruit nearby forehead muscles), which can become so persistent that vision is blocked for periods—sometimes described as functional blindness. This pattern is what sets it apart from other options: oromandibular dystonia affects the jaw and mouth muscles; dopa-responsive dystonia typically starts in childhood with diurnal fluctuations and responds to levodopa; and tics are brief, repetitive movements that can usually be suppressed for short times rather than producing sustained postures. The described bilateral eyelid and forehead contractions directly characterize blepharospasm.

Blepharospasm is a focal dystonia of the eyes. It involves involuntary, often bilateral contractions of the eyelid muscles (and can recruit nearby forehead muscles), which can become so persistent that vision is blocked for periods—sometimes described as functional blindness. This pattern is what sets it apart from other options: oromandibular dystonia affects the jaw and mouth muscles; dopa-responsive dystonia typically starts in childhood with diurnal fluctuations and responds to levodopa; and tics are brief, repetitive movements that can usually be suppressed for short times rather than producing sustained postures. The described bilateral eyelid and forehead contractions directly characterize blepharospasm.