What does it mean when you have muscle spasms in your face?

Hemifacial spasm is a nervous system disorder in which the muscles on one side of your face twitch involuntarily. Hemifacial spasm is most often caused by a blood vessel touching or pulsating against a facial nerve. It may also be caused by a facial nerve injury or a tumor. Sometimes there is no known cause.

What kind of doctor do you see for facial twitching?

Tests and Diagnosis of Hemifacial Spasms Hemifacial spasm (movement disorder) is diagnosed by a specialist in neurology, known as a neurologist, based on symptoms and a neurologic exam.

How do you treat facial muscle spasms?

Treatment for hemifacial spasm may include:

1. Botulinum injections. Your doctor may inject botulinum toxin (Botox) into the affected muscles, which temporarily paralyzes those muscles.
2. Other medications. Medications, including anticonvulsant drugs, can relieve hemifacial spasm in some people.
3. Surgery.

Can MRI detect hemifacial spasm?

Hemifacial spasm is diagnosed when doctors see the spasms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be done to rule out tumors, other structural abnormalities, and multiple sclerosis, which can cause similar symptoms. Also, MRI can usually detect the abnormal loop of artery pressing against the nerve.

Are facial spasms serious?

Hemifacial spasms aren’t dangerous on their own. But a constant twitch in your face can be frustrating or uncomfortable. In severe cases, these spasms can limit function due to involuntary eye closing or the impact they have on speaking.

Should you see a doctor for hemifacial spasm?

Because so many different problems can cause hemifacial spasm, getting an accurate diagnosis of your condition can be difficult. That is why it is important to see your doctor right away if you have any facial symptoms and suspect hemifacial spasm.

How is hemifacial spasm detected?

How do you test for hemifacial spasms?

Your healthcare provider will conduct a neurological exam to diagnose hemifacial spasm. Neurological exams help evaluate your brain function. You’ll likely have a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses radio waves and magnets to create images of the inside of your body.

Can anxiety cause facial spasms?

But as it turns out, facial and body twitches are common symptoms of anxiety. Amy Morin, LCSW, a psychotherapist and author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do, says that these tics can be a sign of high anxiety (though they’re usually not the only sign), and they tend to go away on their own.

When should I see a doctor for facial twitching?

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if: The twitching doesn’t go away within a few weeks. Your eyelid completely closes with each twitch or you have difficulty opening the eye. Twitching happens in other parts of your face or body as well.

Can a doctor prescribe a treatment for facial spasms?

However depending on the seriousness of the condition, your doctor may prescribe the following: Doctors uses botulinum toxin type A, also known as Botox to treat facial spasms, not just to remove wrinkles. The chemicals are injected into the face close to where the muscles are twitching.

What are the causes of spasms in the face?

However, here are some of the known causes of the condition: When a blood vessel pushes on the facial nerve close to where it connects to your brain stem, the never sends out signals in what is known as an ephaptic transmission. This signal causes the muscles to twitch causing spasms.

How do you get rid of muscle spasms in the face?

Do facial exercises to help strengthen the affected muscle, but do them only between spasms and not during. Place a warm compress on the affected area to help release spasms. Make sure you get seven to eight hours of refreshing sleep every night.

When should I see a doctor for muscle spasms?

Spasms are involuntary. The muscles contract and it takes treatment and time for them to relax. They are very common, especially in older adults and athletes. If the muscle spasm is severe, happens frequently, responds poorly to treatment and is not related to obvious causes, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.