Fixit: A twitch, in time, can be relieved

Q What is causing my eyelid to twitch repeatedly?

By Karen Youso, Star Tribune

Last update: August 21, 2007 - 5:17 PM

Q What is causing my eyelid to twitch repeatedly?

A Twitching of the eyelid is not uncommon, experts say. Although the cause isn't completely understood, it can occur in response to stress --physical or emotional -- fatigue or caffeine use. Often the twitching may appear for several weeks and then stop completely. Occasionally, it lasts just a minute or so and then it's over.

Some relief may be found by gently massaging the affected eyelid. Move your index finger back and forth from the inner to the outer part of the lid for approximately one minute. Use the same amount of pressure that you use on a computer keyboard. Massage may be more effective if you first use a warm, wet compress on the eyelid for 10 minutes.

An eye twitch is usually harmless. Rarely, a twitching eyelid can be a symptom of a muscle or nerve disorder. But in such cases, eyelid twitching is usually accompanied by other symptoms.

Information from mayoclinic.com and Regions Hospital

Dog burps?

Q My dog Charlie is much like me. He yawns, blinks his eyes, sneezes, cries, sniffs, sighs and smiles. But I wonder: Does he burp, too?

A Yes, Charlie burps. You may see him extend his neck slightly, then hear a small "blurp" in his throat. Because he usually does this with his mouth closed, it's not very loud, but it is definitely a burp.

My dog Crunch once burped with his mouth on the open end of a dog bone -- the sound was magnified as if through a megaphone, and it most definitely sounded like a burp!

Dr. Terri Derr, Veterinary Behavior Options, Golden Valley

Send your questions to Fixit in care of the Star Tribune, 425 Portland Av. S., Minneapolis, MN 55488, or call 612-673-9033, or e-mail fixit@startribune.com. Past columns are available at www.startribune.com/fixit. Sorry, Fixit cannot supply individual replies.