Eye Twitching and Facial Discomfort: Possible Causes and Solutions

After the twitching of the lower right eyelid, my face feels strange?

Hello doctor, about four or five days ago, my right lower eyelid twitched for 2-3 days intermittently.
Yesterday, the eyelid stopped twitching, but I felt some tightness in the area of my right cheekbone.
Today, I woke up feeling something unusual in my right face, almost like a tingling sensation that is fading, extending from the cheekbone down to just below the jaw and a little into the neck.
Occasionally, my ear feels strange as well.
I looked it up online and I'm not sure if it's due to frequently looking down at my devices and lack of sleep, which might have caused excessive tension in my cervical spine?

CC, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/07/27

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Miss CC,
You mentioned that "the apple of my right cheek feels a bit tight..." Have you looked in the mirror? Is there any asymmetry? Issues with the cervical spine typically manifest near the area behind the ear.
If the symptoms persist, I recommend visiting a neurologist or a rehabilitation specialist for an examination (such as nerve conduction studies or electromyography) and follow-up treatment.
You also mentioned that "I often look down at my electronic devices and have insufficient sleep, which may lead to excessive tension in my cervical spine?" I suggest increasing your intake of B vitamins and reminding yourself to stand up and stretch every half hour to avoid nerve compression and muscle tightness that could worsen your symptoms.
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you have any related questions, feel free to discuss further!
Wishing you good health and peace,
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Medical Center

Reply Date: 2022/07/27

More Info

Hello! Thank you for sharing your symptoms and concerns regarding the twitching of your right lower eyelid and the associated facial discomfort. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of eyelid twitching (also known as myokymia) and some sensations of tightness or tingling in your right cheek and jaw area. Let's explore the potential causes and solutions for these symptoms.

Possible Causes:
1. Eyelid Twitching (Myokymia): Eyelid twitching is often benign and can be triggered by several factors, including:
- Stress: Increased stress levels can lead to muscle spasms, including in the eyelids.

- Fatigue: Lack of sleep or prolonged periods of eye strain, especially from excessive screen time, can contribute to twitching.

- Caffeine Intake: High caffeine consumption can exacerbate muscle spasms.

- Dry Eyes: If your eyes are dry, this can lead to irritation and twitching.

2. Facial Discomfort and Tingling: The sensations you describe in your cheek, jaw, and neck could be related to:
- Muscle Tension: Prolonged use of electronic devices can lead to poor posture, resulting in neck and facial muscle tension. This tension can cause discomfort and may even lead to referred sensations in the face.

- Nerve Irritation: If there is significant tension in the neck, it could potentially irritate the nerves that supply sensation to the face, leading to tingling or a "pins and needles" sensation.

- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction: If you have been clenching your jaw or grinding your teeth (often related to stress), this can lead to discomfort in the jaw and surrounding areas.

Solutions and Recommendations:
1. Manage Stress and Fatigue: Consider incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your routine, such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga. Ensuring you get adequate sleep is also crucial for overall health and can help reduce eyelid twitching.

2. Limit Screen Time: If you spend long hours on electronic devices, try to take regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain.

3. Stay Hydrated and Monitor Caffeine Intake: Ensure you are drinking enough water throughout the day and consider reducing your caffeine consumption if you suspect it may be contributing to your symptoms.

4. Neck and Facial Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises for the neck and face can help relieve muscle tension. You might also consider practicing good posture while using devices to minimize strain on your neck and shoulders.

5. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If your symptoms persist or worsen, it would be wise to consult with a healthcare professional. They may recommend a thorough examination to rule out any underlying conditions, such as TMJ dysfunction or nerve-related issues. A neurologist or an ophthalmologist may be particularly helpful in assessing your symptoms.

6. Physical Therapy: If muscle tension is significant, physical therapy may be beneficial. A physical therapist can provide exercises and techniques to alleviate tension in the neck and facial muscles.

In summary, while eyelid twitching and facial discomfort can often be benign and related to lifestyle factors, it is essential to monitor your symptoms. If they persist or cause significant concern, seeking medical advice is advisable to ensure there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed. Take care, and I hope you find relief soon!

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