In October I was diagnosed with MGUS (Monoclonal Gammopathy of undetermined significance);
I have been evaluated for Multiple Myeloma and Amyloidosis (had an apparent “false-positive” biopsy for Amyloidosis). In the last six weeks I have developed a twitch in the muscle under my left eye (in the “baggy” area below the eye and just above the cheek bone). It is quite annoying and is present off and on all day, every day. Sometimes it feels like it is down in the cheekbone area as well. It creates a visible fluttering movement of the skin under my eye. (This is below the lower eyelid).
Do you think there is any need for me to have this checked by a doctor? I have spent much time and money doing tests and would prefer to just wait this out…but I don’t want to ignore something that could be symptomatic and of concern.

Dr. Joshua’s Answer

Eye lid twitch, also called eyelid myokymia, is a fairly common nuisance. It is rarely a symptom of underlying disease. Stress, fatigue, caffeine and alcohol may increase its occurrence. It almost never requires any specific treatment. It usually disappears with time.

Rarely, it can be a first symptom of a neurological or neuromuscular disease. If the eye twitch spreads to the other eye or to the facial muscles, it needs to be examined more closely.

Monoclonal gammopathy is sometimes associated with neuropathy (nerve damage). Neuropathy may cause muscle twitching (fasciculations).

Whether you should see a doctor or not is not a question I can answer - my service is not intended to replace the relationship between a doctor and a patient. With the above information in mind, you’ll need to make the judgement on your own. Eyelid twitching is definitely not a medial emergency, but sometimes it warrants further investigations, especially if it spreads beyond the eyelid.

Hope this helps.