Involuntary shaking of the mouth and tongue?
I have been experiencing involuntary shaking in my mouth and tongue for over a week now.
Although it is not visibly noticeable, it feels very uncomfortable, and I have to be very careful when speaking; otherwise, my speech becomes unclear.
My job requires clear communication, and I have not taken any medications, weight loss pills, or traditional Chinese medicine recently.
A doctor prescribed "Rifampicin" and "Entacapone" for me, but after taking them, I felt extremely drowsy, and my balance worsened.
I also experienced difficulty focusing.
The doctor did not explain the cause of my symptoms, which makes me feel very anxious.
Please help me.
Duan Xiaoyu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2004/07/08
Dr. Lai Lunxiang reply Neurology
I believe you might be too tired, under too much stress, or feeling too anxious.
I recommend that you exercise more regularly and drink plenty of water.
Reply Date: 2004/07/08
More Info
Uncontrollable mouth and tongue tremors can be distressing and may indicate underlying neurological issues. The symptoms you describe, such as involuntary movements in the mouth and tongue, difficulty speaking clearly, and feelings of discomfort, warrant a thorough evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
First, it is essential to understand that tremors can arise from various conditions, including neurological disorders, medication side effects, or even anxiety. Since you mentioned that you have not recently taken any medications that could cause these symptoms, it is crucial to consider other potential causes.
One possibility is a condition known as essential tremor, which is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary shaking, often affecting the hands, but it can also involve the head, voice, and, in your case, the mouth and tongue. Essential tremor is typically exacerbated by stress and can lead to difficulties in speaking and performing tasks that require fine motor skills.
Another potential cause could be a form of dystonia, which is a movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions. This can affect various parts of the body, including the muscles of the mouth and tongue, leading to tremors or spasms that can interfere with speech and swallowing.
Given your symptoms and the fact that you are experiencing increased anxiety, it is also important to consider the role of stress and anxiety in exacerbating these symptoms. Anxiety can lead to muscle tension and may contribute to the perception of tremors or involuntary movements. In some cases, anxiety can also lead to a heightened awareness of bodily sensations, making you more sensitive to any involuntary movements.
The medications you mentioned, "Rifampin" (利福全) and "Entacapone" (恩特來膜衣錠), can have side effects that may include dizziness, sedation, and cognitive changes. If you are experiencing extreme drowsiness and balance issues after starting these medications, it is essential to discuss these side effects with your prescribing physician. They may need to adjust your dosage or consider alternative treatments that do not produce such adverse effects.
To address your concerns effectively, I recommend the following steps:
1. Consult a Neurologist: A neurologist can perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a neurological examination and possibly imaging studies, to rule out any structural or functional abnormalities in the brain that could be causing your symptoms.
2. Evaluate Medication Side Effects: Discuss the side effects you are experiencing with your doctor. They may consider adjusting your medication regimen or exploring other treatment options that are better tolerated.
3. Consider Psychological Factors: If anxiety is contributing to your symptoms, consider speaking with a mental health professional. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or other therapeutic approaches may help manage anxiety and reduce the perception of tremors.
4. Speech Therapy: If your speech is affected, a speech-language pathologist can provide strategies to improve clarity and manage the physical aspects of speaking.
5. Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporate stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, or yoga into your routine. These practices can help alleviate anxiety and may reduce the severity of tremors.
In conclusion, while uncontrollable mouth and tongue tremors can be concerning, a thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional can help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment. It is crucial to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your symptoms, concerns, and any side effects you are experiencing from medications. With the right support and management, you can work towards alleviating your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
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