Eye Blinking and Mouth Twitches During Speech

Blinking forcefully and twitching the corner of the mouth while speaking?

Hello, Director Zhang.
I would like to ask about my friend who, when speaking, forcefully blinks and has facial tics, specifically pulling at the corners of his mouth while producing the sound "ㄖ." During this, the corners of his mouth extend backward, and his upper and lower jaws come together (similar to the mouth of a stone lion).
However, when he is not speaking, he does not exhibit this issue.
Could you please explain what might be the cause and what kind of help he can seek? I have researched online and found information suggesting Tourette syndrome or tic disorders, but the descriptions do not seem to match his condition.
Thank you, Director Zhang, for your assistance.

LL, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/28

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery

Your description is not very clear to me either.
I suggest you bring your friend to see a neurologist for an examination!

Reply Date: 2020/06/28

More Info

The symptoms you describe regarding your friend's eye blinking and mouth twitches during speech could be indicative of a few different neurological or movement disorders. While you mentioned that you found information suggesting Tourette syndrome or tic disorders, it is essential to consider a broader range of possibilities.

Understanding the Symptoms
1. Tics and Tourette Syndrome: Tourette syndrome is characterized by multiple motor tics (such as blinking or facial grimacing) and one or more vocal tics. However, the key feature of Tourette's is that these tics are involuntary and can wax and wane in frequency and intensity. If your friend only exhibits these symptoms during speech and not at other times, it might not fit the classic profile of Tourette syndrome.

2. Speech-Related Tics: It is possible that your friend is experiencing a form of tic that is specifically triggered by the act of speaking. This could be a simple motor tic, where the act of speaking inadvertently triggers the blinking and mouth movements. Such tics can be exacerbated by stress, anxiety, or even excitement.

3. Dystonia: Another possibility is oromandibular dystonia, a movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions in the mouth and jaw. This could lead to abnormal movements when speaking but may not be present when the individual is at rest.

4. Psychogenic Movement Disorders: These are movement disorders that have a psychological origin. They can manifest as tics or abnormal movements that occur in specific situations, such as speaking. These disorders can often be treated effectively with behavioral therapy or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Seeking Help
Given the complexity of movement disorders, it is advisable for your friend to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a neurologist, particularly one who specializes in movement disorders. Here are some steps that can be taken:
1. Neurological Evaluation: A thorough neurological examination can help determine the nature of the movements. The neurologist may ask about the frequency, duration, and triggers of the symptoms.

2. Video Recording: It may be helpful for your friend to record instances of the blinking and mouth movements during speech. This can provide valuable information to the healthcare provider.

3. Psychological Assessment: If there is a suspicion of a psychogenic movement disorder, a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist may be beneficial. They can assess for any underlying anxiety or stress that may be contributing to the symptoms.

4. Speech Therapy: In some cases, working with a speech therapist can help your friend develop strategies to manage the tics during speaking.

5. Behavioral Interventions: If the movements are indeed tics, behavioral interventions such as habit reversal training may be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of the tics.

Conclusion
In summary, while the symptoms your friend is experiencing could be related to tics or Tourette syndrome, it is crucial to consider other possibilities such as dystonia or psychogenic movement disorders. A thorough evaluation by a neurologist is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, so encouraging your friend to seek help sooner rather than later is advisable.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Facial Tics and Eye Twitching During Speech: A Neurology Perspective

Hello, doctor. My boyfriend is thirty years old, and whenever he speaks, his face involuntarily twitches, and his eyelids also twitch, which is different from normal people. However, his family does not exhibit this behavior when they speak; only he does. I asked him if he had th...

Dr. Lai Lunxiang reply Neurology
This is related to habits; it pertains to neurology and has little to do with genetics.

Understanding Facial Tics and Eye Blinking: Causes and Concerns

Hello, doctor. I am thirty years old this year. Since elementary school, I have experienced involuntary facial twitching and blinking when I speak to others (this only happens while talking). My family members do not have this issue. What could this be? Which specialty should I c...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
Are your symptoms caused by anxiety? Relaxing your mind may help and is unrelated to genetics. If the symptoms are severe, you may consider visiting a neurology clinic for evaluation.

Involuntary Eye Blinking While Chewing: Causes and Solutions

Hello, Director: I would like to ask you a question. My son is in the 4th grade of elementary school, and I have noticed for a few years that his left eyelid blinks continuously while he is eating, but it only happens when he is chewing. Recently, I have observed that this condit...

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology
Hello: It is recommended to undergo a neurological examination first to gain a better understanding.

Persistent Eye Blinking and Strain: Understanding Neurological Causes

Hello, doctor. Since the beginning of 2021, I started wearing orthokeratology lenses, but I stopped using them in early 2022 due to an infection and inflammation. After a few days of treatment with steroid eye drops prescribed by the clinic doctor, I began experiencing frequent b...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Dear Ms. Liang, You mentioned that "the blinking in Tourette syndrome does not feel as forceful and does not have a foreign body sensation..." Generally speaking, symptoms of Tourette syndrome can be temporarily suppressed by willpower, but this is often followed by a ...