Lip twitching happens when your upper or bottom lip shakes, trembles, or quivers uncontrollably.
This article looks at 13 different causes of facial twitching along with possible treatments.
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Why Is My Lip Twitching?
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These disruptions are often triggered by the excessive or impaired release of chemical messengers calledneurotransmittersthat regulate muscle movements.
One example isgamma-aminobutyricacid (GABA)which prevents the overexcitability of nerve transmissions.
If GABA is low, parts of the brain can be overstimulated and trigger a sudden twitch.
Specific nerves may also be affected, causing an abnormal jolt of electrical activity that causes a twitch.
Different conditions can affect the nerves serving the lip muscles.
Many different medications, injuries, diseases, or neurodegenerative disorders can affect these nerves directly or indirectly.
If a person consumes too much caffeine, they can get symptoms of caffeine toxicity.
Irritability,anxiety, tension, and tremors are common symptoms.
Drinking a lot of caffeine can also cause dehydration which can also lead to facial twitching.
You should also stay well-hydrating by drinking plenty of plain water.
How Much Coffee Is Too Much?
This is equivalent to five cups of coffee, four energy drinks, or 10 sodas.
Medications
Certain medications can cause the muscles in your face to twitch uncontrollably.
When small muscle fibers are affected, it is referred to asfasciculation.
Corticosteroid (steroid) drugs are common causes of fasciculation.
Any drug that lists fasciculation as a side effect could potentially cause lip twitching.
This is important because some medications can cause permanent twitching after long-term use, including certain antipsychotic drugs.
Potassium Deficiency
Potassiumis a mineral that acts as anelectrolytein the body.
Electrolytes are needed for nerve signaling which the brain uses to communicate with other parts of the body.
Alcoholic Neuropathy
Neuropathyis the medical term for nerve damage.
Heavy alcohol use can damage nerves throughout the body, leading toalcohol-induced neuropathy.
This is because of the progressive destruction of the protective coating of nerve cells, calledmyelin.
If you could’t stop, ask your healthcare provider for a referral to an alcohol treatment center.
This kind of twitching is calledpsychogenic(meaning a physical symptom brought on by a psychological condition).
Lip twitching is a possible feature, which typically occurs with other symptoms like drooping eyelids.
Hemifacial Spasms
Hemifacial spasmsare muscle spasms that usually only happen on one side of the face.
If the spasms are near the mouth, the lip may twitch.
The spasms are often the result of the compression of the facial nerve by a tumor or artery.
In severe cases, surgery may be used to relieve or reduce compression of the facial nerve.
A head trauma can also affect thebrainstemwhich relays nerve messages to the facial nerve.
It is a highly complicated form ofmicrosurgeryreserved for only the most extreme cases.
The involuntary movements are called “tics” and may include lip twitching, puckering, or pursing.
It most often occurs between the ages of 55 and 75, more commonly in males than in females.
With ALS, twitching can affect the entire face, including the lips.
Symptoms include tremors, muscle rigidity, and difficulties with movement, balance, and coordination.
One of the first signs of Parkinson’s is tremors of the lower lip.
Oral deformities like cleft palate can be treated with surgery.
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidismis a hormone disorder caused when theparathyroid glandsmake too little parathyroid hormone.
The body needs parathyroid hormone to store and releasecalcium.
If levels are low, calcium levels can plummet and phosphorus levels can skyrocket.
Hypoparathyroidism treatment typically involves calcium andvitamin D supplementsto restore balance.
Prescription treatment options include Yorvipath (palopegteriparatide).
Yorvipath is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for adults with this condition.
How Is Lip Twitching Diagnosed?
A physical exam by your healthcare provider is the first step in diagnosing lip twitching.
Your provider can look at your mouth to see what the twitching looks like.
How to Stop Lip Twitching
Treatment for lip twitching depends on whats causing it.
If you have hemifacial spasms, Botox injections can help stop the lip twitching.
When Is Lip Twitching an Emergency?
You should seek immediate medical care if you have these symptoms along with a lip twitch.
The cause of a twitching lip can be diagnosed by a healthcare provider.
Having your lip twitch uncontrollably can be both annoying and worrisome.
The good news is that it isnt always concerning.
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Hemifacial spasm.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Tourette syndrome.
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National Health Service (UK).DiGeorge syndrome.
National Organization for Rare Disorders.Hypoparathyroidism.
Singh S.Botulinum toxin in hemifacial spasm: Revisited.Indian J Plast Surg.2013;46(1):159-160. doi:10.4103/0970-0358.113746
