nervous facial twitches

[ellejae]

i have a variety of twitches in my face that by the end of the day have the inside of my cheeks raw and my lips swollen (on the inside) not to mention just face exhaustion
i used believe they were  stress related but for the past 6 months it seems to be all the time.
i can 'make' myself not do these until i lose concentration but i cannot spend all my time just concentrating on this....
i went to a neurologist about a year ago and had an mri and it came back normal so am wondering what i might do to help...
i am getting ever so tired of soreness inside my mouth and exhausted face muscles...please help me out!
thank you
laura

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

If you do consider this as more of a compulsion, it might help to also consult a psychologist or therapist who could assess your symptoms as well as help you in biofeedback training. You could also opt for a second opinion by another neurologist.

Good luck.

[ellejae]

I thank you both for your input. I must emphasize that I feel this is more of a compulsion than an actual spasm. I've had say...an eye spasm or twitch before for a day or two and that to me was completely involuntary. This is almost like it is willful but unstoppable. Kind of OCD-ish if you will....sigh. As far as almonds go, I happen to be a big fan and roast my own so I was glad to hear that could help. I did go to a neuroligist and he was of now help. Possibly I need a different neurologist! I think the biofeedback training is a wonderful suggestion. Thanks again for your responses.

[Carol in PA]

Ellejae,
Has anyone advised you to try magnesium supplements?
A low level of magnesium within the muscle and nerve cells will cause many problems, including muscle twitches.

Magnesium glycinate and taurinate are better absorbed than mag oxide.  (Look at the list of ingredients.)
You can do an internet search for information about magnesium and twitching.
Almonds, either raw or roasted, are also a good source of magnesium.  Buy a pound of them at the grocery store and eat several ounces per day.
You may need to continue supplementing magnesium for a long time.

Wishing you the best,
Carol

[Godofredo MD]

Hi.

Do the twitches/spasms occur on both sides of the face or just one side?

There is a condition that is called hemifacial spasm that is basically the occurrence of spasms or twitches on one side of the face usually associated with facial nerve nucleus irritation. Although this condition generally occurs on one side only, it can sometimes occur on both sides of the face and is termed bilateral hemifacial spasm.

Treatment for this condition can be of 3 types: neurological, botulinum toxin injections, or surgical.

The neurological approach is basically drug therapy or biofeedback training. This is usually indicated for mild cases of hemifacial spasms. Unfortunately, these treatments are not always successful.

Botulinum toxin has also been used to treat this condition, although the effectivity is usually only temporary, and can also cause some side-effects.

When symptoms are severe and the cause is suspected to be related to a blood vessel impinging upon the facial nerve, surgery may be indicated.

You should consult a neurosurgeon to assess your symptoms.