Left Facial Twitches & Eyelids

[tonyr155]

For the longest time, I have been bothered with twitching of a muscle near my left ear.  I hear it sometimes and feel it as well.

Now over the past few months, I am seeing and feeling an increase in left eyelid twitching.  At first it was concentrated in the lower lid.  Now, this morning after feeling a vibration sensation in the upper lid, I decided to look at the eye in a magnifying mirror.  I discovered the upper lid was twitching rapidly!  Though I have had rt. temporal muscle jumps, most of my twitches and muscle jumps seem to be on the left side of my face.  When I awaken especially, it also feels like the left side of my mouth is sagging though it isnt'.  I wonder if there is a nerve causing all of this?  Trigeminal?  Or a nerve somewhere?  I have no pain, just the maddening twitches (fasciculations) that drive me crazy some days.

Thanks-

[tonyr155]

Hello Dr. Kaur-

Thanks for a very helpful reply.  I now know more which way to go with these symptoms.
There are times the eyelids are okay, but others, mostly in the morning, they are more twitchy.  I failed to mention the fact that I have been on the benzo lorazepam for many years.  I sometimes suspect some long use problems from that drug also, neurologically.

Thanks again-

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The causes for the pain and twitching could be due to caries tooth, trigeminal neuralgia, neuro muscular disorders like myasthenia gravis, bells palsy, space occupying lesions, sinusitis, electrolyte imbalance, hormonal changes, trace mineral deficiencies, etc. The symptoms can be reverted back once the cause has been ascertained, which requires consultation with more than one specialists.

The possibility of facial nerve paralysis causing bells palsy is an important possibility to be ruled out in your case.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.