Facial twitching or hemifacial spasms are a disorder of the nervous system in which there is twitching of the muscles on one side of the face. These spasms may occur when a blood vessel touches a nerve in the facial region. Nerve injury may also be a cause of facial twitching. In many people, facial tics worsen due to stress. Here are some ways to deal with facial twitching;
- Reducing your stress levels may help to reduce the frequency of facial twitching and even make them go away for good. You can engage in activities that are enjoyable and stress relieving such as exercise, meditation and breathing techniques. Once your anxiety levels reduce, the facial tics are also likely to subside.
- Persistent tics that interfere with normal functioning can be controlled with medications that restrict the brain’s uptake of the neurotransmitter, dopamine. These medications are usually prescribed by a doctor. They may lead to certain side effects such as difficulty in swallowing, increased blood sugar levels and heat or cold sensitivity. Therefore it is important to discuss with your doctor before using these medications.
- Some studies indicate that the technique of deep brain stimulation may be helpful in treating facial tics in adults. It involves introducing electrical currents in the brain through electrodes. This is known to control brain activity and reduce the occurrence of tics.
- Psychotherapies such as habit reversal may be helpful in controlling facial twitching. Through this technique you will be able to monitor when tics are about to occur and how to substitute another behavior for them. For example, instead of blinking the eyes rapidly, you can close your eyes for a few seconds.
- Counseling may also be effective in identifying the emotional problems. This may be helpful in controlling facial tics.
It is necessary that you keep your doctor informed about your condition and the remedies that you are using. This will help you gain expert advice to help treat the condition.
answered by G M