The Prevalence of Eyelid Myokymia in Medical Students

Aims: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with eyelid myokymia (EM) in students attending Medical faculty.

Study Design: Cross sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Medical faculty University of Tuzla and Department of Ophthalmology University Clinical Centre Tuzla, between December 2015. and January 2016.

Methodology: We included 100 medical students, randomly selected by staff employed in student service of Medical faculty, from the list of students registered for different exams in December 2015. Before the survey all participants were informed about the signs and presentations of eyelid twitching and its possible significance. The survey was performed before and after the exams with students of third, fourth and fifth study year. It consisted of 18 questions regarding the presence of eyelid twitch, and influence of various factors on its frequency and intensity.

Results: Forty four percent of students had signs of eyelid myokimia (EM) during short period of 7 days before the exams. Female students were more likely to have EM than male students (OR 2.46:1). Students of fifth study year were at more risk for development of EM than students of fourth and third year respectively (OR 1:1.5:2.67). Energy drinks consuming was a significant predictor for EM occurrence (P=.046). Students who reported to have reduced sleep during exam preparation have significantly more often symptoms of EM (P=.014) as well as individuals who claim to have been exposed to a greater amount of stress (P=.042).

Conclusion: Eyelid myokymia is relatively common phenomenon among students of Medical faculty. It has higher incidence before exams, during the period of intense studying.