Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Drooping eyelids or eyebrows

A drooping eyelid or low eyebrow can develop gradually because of ageing, excess skin, muscle weakness or previous surgery. Sometimes the problem mainly affects appearance or everyday activities, for example by limiting the upper part of your vision or making your eyes feel heavy. But an eyelid that suddenly droops, especially with a large or small pupil, double vision, headache or weakness, can be a sign of a stroke, aneurysm or nerve problem and needs emergency attention.

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  • A drooping eyelid is called ptosis. A low eyebrow can cause similar difficulties.
  • Symptoms that develop gradually often result from ageing of the skin or muscles, but a new problem must always be assessed in context.
  • Sudden ptosis with a change in pupil size, double vision or other neurological symptoms is an emergency and can be a sign of a stroke or aneurysm.
  • A drooping eyelid in a child needs particular attention because it can affect vision and the development of the eye.
  • Call your GP during the day, HAP 9252 outside office hours for urgent assessment, and 912 for an immediate threat to life.

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