I need a ticket out of twitchy-town

December 2, 2006 1:44 PM

Can an eye twitch move to your jaw?

So, for the past month and a half, I've had intermittent eyelid twitching. It's not actually my eyelid, it's the space between my eyelid and my eyebrow. No big, I have this from time to time and have always recognized it as a cocktail of stress + lack of sleep + lack of potassium (thanks to all of y'all!). Normally, I'd make a mental note to relax, eat a banana, and all would be fine.

Lately, however, the twitching seems to have migrated to my jaw. It happens intermittently, lasts for about 20 seconds, and is MAKINGMESOINCREDIBLYCRAZY. It seems to be the same thing, but in my jaw - but maybe it's another problem entirely? I can't find anything on the internets that says anything about a jaw twitch. Is this common? Has anyone ever experienced it? Should I just eat a banana and take a hot bath to relax, or should I call a doctor about this one?

posted by pazazygeek to Health & Fitness (6 answers total)

Eat a banana, take a hot bath, and calcium is good for that, so if you have any (or a couple of Tums) take one of those too. If you're still concerned about it on Monday, you could probably call the doctor or the dentist, and ask them if you should bring in your twitch.
posted by unrepentanthippie at 2:00 PM on December 2, 2006

Best answer: A jaw twitch could be a TMJ symptom, as the facial nerves are many and complex. I have TMJ with the accompanying pain, and one of the precursors of a bad spell for me is facial twitches, starting in my eye and progressing to my jaw. Tenderness on the jaw line just below the ear lobe is another one. Heat/cold therapy works well, along with the sleeping and relaxing part too. You may want to speak to a dentist, maxillofacial specialist, or a chiropractor. (I recommend the chiropractor, myself). Best of luck.
posted by hannahkitty at 2:13 PM on December 2, 2006

According to my S.O., most "twitches" are a kind of benign seizure, which aren't easily quashed. IANAD, but I suspect keeping your vitamins ('specially B6) and electrolytes topped-off could help. Good luck.
posted by cmiller at 4:14 PM on December 2, 2006

According to my S.O., most "twitches" are a kind of benign seizure,

No no no no no.

Muscle spasms (which I believe what the poster is referring to) are NOT seizures.
posted by gramcracker at 7:30 PM on December 2, 2006

What part of your jaw? Is there a twitch happening that tugs the corner of your mouth sideways, or do you mean that your teeth are clicking shut, or something else?
posted by ikkyu2 at 11:42 PM on December 2, 2006

Response by poster: ikkyu2, It's basically the first thing you've said, basically, it feels like the muscle that is responsible for opening and closing my jaw is just twitching, it doesn't make my teeth click or anything - and it's the exact same fluttering feeling as an eyelid twitch.

hannahkitty - it is interesting that you mention TMJ - I have long suspected I have it. My jaw almost always pops when I open it all the way, and I will often have days where I feel like I can't completely open my jaw, or like my jaw's almost stuck.

I will hie myself to a dentist then, I'm imagine that's the specialist to help me. Up until now I wasn't sure if I should see a doctor or a dentist about TMJ - looks like dentist is the way to go.
posted by pazazygeek at 2:01 PM on December 3, 2006