Lip twitching is a sudden, involuntary contraction that creates muscle twitches. Moreover, it results from direct stimulation, injuries of nerves, tics, spasms, fasciculation, and tremors. If you are not sure about what direct stimulation is all about, then the condition may be caused due to electric pressure or extreme temperatures. The movement of lips is swift and leads to muscle fatigue.
Though lip twitching might be commonly observed, the symptoms might disturb you. The signs may disappear in a couple of minutes or within a few days. However, if the condition persists, then it should be investigated and weighed against other causes.
Bottom lip twitching may be referred to as a minor tremor. However, the condition might move on as it spreads to others parts of the face. It can unexpectedly be caused due to contraction of muscles, numbness, curling sensations, or spasms occurring after some minutes. Some symptoms of bottom lip twitching include:
- Heartbeat abnormalities
- Sudden irritation
- Increased rate of urination
- Feet and hands’ restlessness
- Sudden excitement
- Nauseous feeling
- Insomnia
If you notice any of the above symptoms, contact a specialized medical doctor. However, it would be best to remember that these symptoms might mean something very different from bottom lip twitching.
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Causes of Bottom Lip Twitching
Lower or bottom lip twitching has many causes; we might know some but aren’t aware of their effects.
Subsequently, here are some of the most common causes of lower lip twitching:
1. Lack of potassium
Potassium plays an essential role in a healthy diet. It ensures that nerves carry signals throughout the body. If you lack this mineral, you might suffer from spasms and cramps. These can happen anywhere on your body, and your lower lip isn’t an exception,
You can avoid involuntary twitches by eating foods rich in potassium content, such as:
- Bananas
- Potatoes
- Leafy greens
- Orange and prune juice
- Peas
- Cucumbers
2. High caffeine intake
Coffee, soft drinks, and snacks contain caffeine that contributes to the development of cramps. Moreover, researchers consider caffeine as a drug or stimulant because it affects the central nervous system. Consuming caffeine increases one’s alertness, and excessive drinking creates muscle cramps or twitches. Symptoms of excessive caffeine intake involve:
- Muscle twitching
- Restlessness
- Insomnia
- Abnormal or fast heartbeat
- Nervousness
- Psychomotor agitation
However, individuals undergoing caffeine medication should seek a doctor’s help after experiencing lip twitching.
3. Drugs
Steroids and estrogen are typical examples of prevalent drugs that cause your lower lip to twitch. The best possible way to avoid this cause of lower lip twitching is to change to a new medicine or medication without any side effects.
Before changing your medication, consult your doctor to avoid complications. Take note that self-prescripted drugs aren’t advisable.
4. Fatigue and stress
Stressed individuals are most likely to develop lower lip twitching. When your body is going through stress, it becomes locked into a “flight” or “fight” response, causing involuntary movements in your body.
Relieve yourself from stress through meditation. Yoga also helps ease your mind and your body. Lastly, get yourself at least 8 hours of sleep each day (the most effective way to combat fatigue and stress).
5. Hemifacial spasm
A hemifacial spasm is a type of muscle spasm that happens on the side of a person’s face. The compression of your facial nerves and added irritation results in hemifacial spasms. If not treated, it might lead to a facial nerve injury or Bell’s palsy.
However, this is a scarce medical condition. Doctors diagnose hemifacial spasms by letting patients undergo a brain examination or imaging test. Hemifacial spasms treated through surgery while administering Botox injections can be used to freeze muscles that have been affected to reduce or stop twitching movements.
6. Hormonal deficiency
Hormonal deficiency occurs as you age. Meanwhile, hyperparathyroidism results in the production of low parathyroid hormone in people who have this condition, causing your lower lip to twitch.
This condition has several symptoms, including muscle weakness and hair loss. Furthermore, eating foods and supplements rich in calcium and Vitamin D helps replenish the parathyroid hormones in your body.
7. Parkinson’s disease
Lower lip twitching is sometimes an early sign of Parkinson’s disease. This disease is known to cause hand and leg tremors that worsen over time, and there is no known cure.
However, you can manage it through treatment that stops the worsening of the nerves. Several treatments are also involved in rebuilding the dopamine level of the body. Though, this is an infrequent cause of lower lip twitching.
8. Alcohol and cigarettes abstinence
Alcohol and cigarettes damage your nerves more than you can imagine. Nevertheless, excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and cigarette smoking leads to facial muscle spasms, like lip twitching.
Responsible Disorders for Bottom Lip Twitching
When you have been going on with tiresome days, then the facial muscles can contract all of a sudden. The cause can point to the compression of nerves and can be identified easily.
- Tic. A facial tic is nothing but a condition when you feel tremors in your facial muscles. They occur during childhood days and often can be resolved quickly.
- Tourette’s syndrome. This condition is way different for tics that stay for a short period. It can further result in nose wrinkling, blinking, unusual tongue movement, and various behavioral problems.
- Parkinson’s disease. When you go through a rhythmical involuntary action, then either one of both the lips is affected. The tremor starts whenever you’re not occupied with any tasks. Once you start interacting with people or nibble on foodstuffs, the feeling vanishes. However, in the later stages, lip twitching might prevail as the person begins talking or eating.
- DiGeorge syndrome. Sometimes, twitching might be due to improper development of the human body. This is nothing but a genetic syndrome called DiGeorge syndrome. Usually, it’s associated with heart problems, poor functioning of parathyroid glands, and a defect in the cleft palate. The signs might be suitable from birth or may occur sometime later.
- Hysterical tremor. When someone is emotionally charged up to a great extent, they might experience lip twitching. Such a type of tremor disappears once the person is distracted.
Treatment For Bottom Lip Twitching
Since lip twitching has several causes, there are also multiple treatment methods you can try to stop it from reoccurring:
- Avoid excessive coffee consumption. Even when you feel the urge most of the time, you should avoid drinking beverages that contain alcohol and caffeine.
- Applying little pressure. Whenever twitching starts, apply a warm cloth around the lip’s surface. To stop the condition, you can use a little force with your fingertip.
- Practice yoga and breathing exercises. Such techniques help in a great way to reduce stress and fatigue. Ultimately, the chances of being up with the condition would be minimized.
- Follow a balanced diet. Creating a healthy meal helps replenish your body with potassium. Thus, you’ll stay carefree from deficiency.
Key Takeaways
Lower lip twitching is harmless yet can be a sign that you have a more serious medical problem.
If you don’t find any of the suggested treatments beneficial, consider visiting a doctor. After all, early detection is the key before your condition worsens.
