What is lip twitching? What are some of the superstitions involved when your upper or lower lip involuntarily moves left or right? In this topic, we have provided enough information to help you answer this and many other questions you might have involving lip muscle twitching. Find the underlying causes and how to treat it.
Sometimes referred to as fasciculation, lip twitching is the sudden and involuntary contraction of the lip muscles. It is involuntary to mean that it is done without will or conscious control. The twitching or flickering could also occur due to an injury, irritation or direct stimulation of the nerves that supply to the muscle fibers of the lips.
Though annoying, the twitching mostly of the lower lip can be caused by minor reasons such as fatigue, over consumption of caffeine, stress or deficiency in potassium intake. It is not always advisable to assume that the twitching is caused by minor issues, at time it can also be caused by serious underlying conditions such as Bell’s palsy or DiGeorge syndrome.
Lip twitching meaning – superstition
By definition twitching is the sudden movement of body parts. In some cultures, it is seen as an omen or a nature’s way of warning human of an impending occurrence. Scientifically, all planets in the solar system radiates is own specific kind of energy. Due difference in the planetary conjunctions we are all born in, the emitted energies will have different effects on different individuals.
Superstitions attempt to interpret the meaning of the twitching based on the part of the body that twitches. For example the twitching of the right eye or eyelid is interpreted to mean good fortune is coming. On the other hand, if the twitching was on the left eye or eyelid, then it could mean a bad omen.
Another common believe is that if the right thumb of hand or foot twitches, it is said you are going to be successful in your endeavors. It is believed that all your wishes are likely to be fulfilled even within the same day. The contrary is that, it indicates bad luck and problem hindrances s to your ventures.
For lip twitching, old wives tales believed that this could be a possible indication of goodness relating to matters of love. Now this kind of believed and interpretation will differ from one geographical location to the other. If you hold a different view or superstation about the twitching of the lip we would love to know about it. Please share it in the comment box below.
Symptoms of Lip Muscles twitching
A lip twitch can be felt as a minor tremor. Originating from the lip, it is possible for the twitching to spread to other parts of the face. When happening very fast, it is uncommon for other people to notice the twitching, but you experiencing the twitching can feel it happen. Depending with what is causing the twitching, those occurring on the lip will have the following symptoms:
- Spontaneous and unexplained contraction of the lips
- A curling sensation along the edges of the lips
- Minor palpitation of the upper and lower lips
- A sensation of frozen and numbed lip
- It is also possible to have repeated spasm occurring at different time intervals.
What causes Lip muscle twitching?
Twitching, spasm or lip fasciculation as already mentioned is an involuntary movement of body muscles. As seen it happens without conscious. We can say that, depending on what is causing the twitching, the spasm can either be normal or serious.
Provided below are some of the possible causes of the twitching that can be said to be serious.
Lip twitching stress
The most common cause of lip twitching is stress. Stress can be defined as a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or very demanding circumstances. Stress is a psychological condition which tend to cause a lot of behavioral changes. Essential tremors as well as hysterical tremors can be the reason behind the persistent twitching.
Hysterical tremors are caused by use of drugs, for example if you had a drug overdose you are likely to experience hysterical tremors or witching. On the other hand stress is the main trigger behind essential flickering.
With this tremors, it is very likely to experience muscle contraction in other areas of the body as well. In itself, stress is not an illness but could lead to serious illness if adequate steps are not taken. Recognizing symptoms of stress early can be very helpful, it can help figure out ways to coping and save your from adopting unhealthy coping methods like drinking and smoking.
Lip twitching stroke
According to Dr. Ravish Patwardhan MD, nationally-renowned neurosurgeon and founder of comprehensive Neurosurgery Network, repeated twitching of any muscles is often related to a problem of either the muscle itself or the nerves leading to that muscles. Common examples of muscles problems will include spasms or a condition where the nerve leading to a muscle is sometimes pushed on by an artery near the brainstem.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or severely reduced, this deprives the brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, the brain cells will begin to die. This should be treated as a medical emergency and as such, prompt treatment is crucial.
It is very important to recognize early signs of stroke. Stroke is among the leading causes of disability in the US and the third leading cause of death. Those who receive treatment early for the symptoms of stroke the better chances they stand of complete recovery.
There are very many common signs relating to stroke that people experience. A common one is numbness and weakness in the face or extremities. Most of the time, the symptoms relating to stroke are limited to one side of the body. Some people may experience confusion and trouble speaking in the early stages of stroke.
Others symptoms include severe headaches that develop quickly, dizziness, lack of coordination and trouble walking are possible signs that the brain is not receiving adequate oxygen.
Bell’s palsy
Bell’s palsy is the paralysis of the facial nerve, the condition causes weakness in one side of the face and could be the underlying cause of the twitching lip. The facial nerve damage may also affect your sense of taste and how you make tears and saliva.
The condition appear suddenly, often overnight and usually gets better on its own within a few weeks. This condition is not the result of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). While the two can cause facial paralysis there exist no link between Bell’s palsy and either of these conditions. [WebMD]
Herpes simplex
Herpes simples’ infection known to cause cold sores otherwise known as fever blisters could also be a possible reason for the lip twitching. From the onset of the infection with the virus, many patients will experience severe headaches, fatigue and peculiar twitching sensation in the nerve leading to the area of the outbreak.
Hypoparathyroidism
This condition refers to the diminishing concentration of parathyroid hormone in the blood, which causes deficiencies of calcium and phosphorus compound in the blood and result in muscular spasm.
This is an uncommon condition, that involve the secretion of abnormal low level of parathyroid hormone, that plays a very fundamental role in regulating and maintaining a balance of your body’s levels of calcium and phosphorous.
Tremor syndrome
Tremor can be said to be the unintentional, rhythmic muscle movement involving to-and-from movements of one or more parts of the body. Tremor is the most common involuntary movement and can affect the hands, arms, head, face, voice, legs and not forget lips either lip bottom or upper.
Other causes
- DiGeorge syndrome
- Neurological disorders
- Anxiety and stress
- Alcohol and cigarettes withdrawal
- Excessive intake of stimulants
- Damage and irritation of facial nerves
Lip twitching during pregnancy
A lot of physical and physiological changes takes place when one gets pregnant. All these changes are controlled by pregnancy hormone namely progesterone. This chemical agents are responsible for the preparation of the development of the fetus. Emotional changes are also felt, understanding this changes will help you cope with the condition.
Due to this changes, for example when you gain weight, it might put a strain on the nerves especially when you go to sleep, it could be possible for a pregnant woman to have twitching lips. It is also common for them to experience the twitching and numbness of the lips simultaneously. This could affect the heart and blood distribution to the part of face.
Lower lip twitching left side
What is causing my lower lip to twitching on the left side? A flickering lip on one side of the lip can be a great reason for concern. Different communities have try to interpret what the twitching could mean, but at the end the interpretation tends to vary from one geographical location to the other.
A lower lip spasm can be minor, which eventually clears on its own or severe when caused by a serious underlying medical condition. Depending on the symptoms exhibited, your health care provider can run some diagnosis and establish what the underlying cause of the spasm is. Treatment for the underlying cause can then be prescribed.
Minor episodes of flickering can be managed at home using simple remedy such as a warm compress, having adequate sleep or physical activities such as yoga to relax and relieve stress.
Lower lip twitching right side
Lower lip twitching on the right side is a clear signal of nerve problem on the right side of the lip. From our discussion, we have seen that neurological disorder is a possible cause of the twitching and muscle spasm on lip. All the other causes discussed above could also lead to the flickering of the lower lip on the right side.
Minor episodes of twitching can be managed with a simple hot compress. Pat your lips with a face towel dip in hot water within interval of 20 minutes to stop the twitching. If the twitching persist seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The twitching as sad is involuntary, that is why it is important to seek medical attention as soon as you notice other symptoms start to appear. This could include feeling of numbness on lips, the swelling of nodes or difficulties in moving your jaws or lip.
Upper lip twitching and numbness
Through our discussion, we have established that lip twitching can be caused by various underlying health conditions. These condition affects the neurologic system of the body causing the flickering. A twitching upper can be a symptom of a serious underlying condition especially if it is associated with numbness.
Numbness occurs when a body part, in this case, the upper or lower lip are deprived the power of sensation, feeling or responsiveness. The twitching could therefor indicate condition such as stroke, paralysis or even swollen nerves.
This kind of underlying health condition could cause damage to the nerve pathways between the brain and the body resulting in lip numbness and many other symptoms that could include the following:
- Parodic twitches and spasm
- Walking difficulties
- Impaired muscles coordination
- Loss of muscles strength
Some of the causes of lip numbness can be harmless. For example the sensation felt after receiving a local anesthetic during surgery or other medical procedures. Common causes of the numbness could include low blood calcium, exposure to cold temperatures, Raynaud’s disease, food allergies and chemical exposures.
Treatment for Lip twitching
Most people overlook simple episodes of lip twitching, this should not be the case, it is always important to have a professional health care provider diagnose the condition so that they can be able to establish what the underling condition causing the twitching is. When the cause of the flickering is establish, the need for treatment can then be known.
Minor episodes of twitching can be left to on their own, but for persistent and chronic twitching, your doctor will prescribe medication in an attempt to treat the underlying condition causing the flickering.
If the twitching is caused by the consumption of product such as coffee, soda, caffeine pills or chocolate, then your attending doctor will advise against these products for some time to see if the twitching stops. On the other hand if the twitching is caused by stress anxiety, fear and damage of the facial nerve, the doctor will be in the best position to prescribe medication.
The doctor could prescribe adequate sleep or bed rest for fatigue, anti-anxiety or stress medication when the underlying cause is stress. Yoga and meditation can also be used as a good way to relieve stress and reduce severe anxiety causing the twitching.
How to stop twitching of Lips Naturally
It is advised to seek medical attention when you have persistent lip twitching. At home before you reach the health care provider, there are some few remedies and fixes that can help reduce the spasms from happening so often.
You do not have to expect the twitching to halt immediately but with the remedies the symptoms will not be as severe as before.
- You could try applying a heat compression where you lip starts to twitch.
- Cut on caffeine and alcohol
- To reduce anxiety and fatigue, you need to make sure you get adequate sleep, regular exercises and activities like yoga can really be of help in relieving stress.
- A strong immune system can the best way of preventing against such occurrences. Make sure you eat healthy foods that includes essential nutrients like magnesium, potassium and other minerals
Sources and references
- Upper lip twitching: http://www.newhealthguide.org/Upper-Lip-Twitching.html
- Twitching lip: http://healthool.com/lip-twitching/
- Lip keeps twitching: http://scarysymptoms.com/2012/01/im-worried-lip-keeps-twitching-causes/
- Twitching lip causes: http://www.healthhype.com/lip-twitching.html
- Twitching lip: http://www.medhealthdaily.com/lips-twitching/
- Bottom lip twitching symptoms: http://healthylifemed.com/bottom-lip-twitching/
- Twitching body parts superstitions: http://www.dreamozone.com/index.php/explore-more/twitching-of-body-parts