Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation, Inc.

The Benign Essential Blepharospasm Research Foundation (BEBRF) is a 501 (c)(3) national, voluntary health organization that was formed to promote research into the cause, treatment, and potential cure of benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) and other disorders of the facial musculature. BEB is characterized by intermittent, involuntary contractions or spasms of the muscles around the eyes. In some cases, an inability to open the eyelids due to involuntary muscle spasms may result in functional blindness. Established in 1981, BEBRF provides encouragement to affected individuals and their families through state coordinators and local support groups. District directors coordinate activities in their regions and direct affected individuals to medical centers where these conditions are treated. BEBRF also acts as a clearinghouse for information on BEB, Meige’s syndrome, and hemifacial spasm and distributes materials including brochures, bimonthly newsletters, and physician reprint articles.