12 Ways To Get Rid Of A Long‐Term Nose Or Mouth Twitch - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Get Rid of a Long‐Term Nose or Mouth Twitch PDF download Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Monitor the behavior over time and in various situations. 2 Consider if stress and anxiety play a role. 3 Consider drug and alcohol use. 4 Get your diet on track. 5 Get plenty of sleep. 6 Work on reducing stress. 7 Try willfully suppressing your tic. 8 Ignore the twitch. 9 Consult your doctor if the issue persists. 10 Consider if the issue is part of a more significant disorder. 11 See a neurologist if your doctor recommends it. 12 Consult a therapist for stress-induced twitches. + Show 9 more... - Show less... Other Sections Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD

Last Updated: August 22, 2024 References

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This article was co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD. Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 81,805 times.

Twitching of your mouth, nose, or eyes is usually harmless, but it might seem frustrating or embarrassing if it doesn't go away. Usually, to get your twitch to go away, you'll have to figure out what's causing it. In some cases, this might be as simple as reducing your stress or anxiety or changing your diet. However, there are some circumstances that call for a visit to a specialist. We'll help you narrow down the causes and what to do about your twitch!

Things You Should Know

  • Nose twitching is typically caused by things like stress, dietary deficiencies, poor sleep, tic disorders like Tourette's syndrome, and drug/alcohol use.
  • Monitor your behavior and pay attention to when your nose twitches to pinpoint what's causing it. Then, correct or address the issue.
  • If the twitching persists for more than a year, see a doctor for a full evaluation.

Steps

1

Monitor the behavior over time and in various situations.

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  1. Step 1 Note when the twitches happen. 1 Note when the twitches happen. Write down instances to try to identify patterns. Especially pay attention to the feelings or circumstances that give rise to the twitch. Evaluate any and all environmental and situational factors, and make a list for reference in case you need to discuss the issue with a doctor.
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Get Rid of a Long‐Term Nose or Mouth Twitch Step 10
  1. 1
    • Think back to when the twitch started. Do you remember where and when you first started noticing the twitch? Involuntary movements that originated in childhood have different causes and solutions than those that began in adulthood.
    • Doctors will evaluate your medical history and perform a physical examination to determine if the twitch is neurologic, medical, or psychiatric in origin.
2

Consider if stress and anxiety play a role.

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  1. Do you mainly experience the twitch when you’re nervous? Do you mainly experience the twitch when you’re nervous? How do things like public speaking, talking to an authority figure, or similar stressful situations affect it? Is it more likely to happen when you’ve got a lot on your plate at work or in response to other anxiety triggers? What about other emotions, such as being amused, excited, or overjoyed?
    • Keep a journal to track when and where the tic happens.
    • Compare your notes on when it happens in the present to when and where you remember it happening in the past.
    • You may want to see a psychiatrist if the cause of your twitch is from stress and anxiety. He/she maybe able to help you with anti-anxiety medication in order to relieve stress.
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3

Consider drug and alcohol use.

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  1. Do you drink a lot of coffee, smoke cigarettes, or drink alcohol? Do you drink a lot of coffee, smoke cigarettes, or drink alcohol? Are you prescribed any medication? Stimulants like caffeine and prescription drugs can cause involuntary movements, as can withdrawal from alcohol and nicotine.[1]
4

Get your diet on track.

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  1. Some deficiencies can lead to twitching. Some deficiencies can lead to twitching. A well-balanced diet can potentially stop a tic within days.[2] Make sure you're eating enough leafy greens and nuts for magnesium, and bananas for potassium. Consider taking a supplement for these specific minerals, or a general multivitamin.[3]
    • If you suspect that you’ve got some gaps in your diet, you should first see your primary care physician (PCP) or go to a clinic. A doctor can order a complete blood count and other standard tests to confirm any dietary issues.[4]
    • Omitting or limiting your sugar and caffeine intake are additional steps you should take to get rid of a nose or mouth twitch.
    • Drinking the recommended amount of water for your body size is also recommended. A good general rule is to drink eight 8 oz glasses of pure water every day. Drinks with caffeine and alcohol in them do not count as part of your daily water consumption.
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5

Get plenty of sleep.

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  1. Make sure you're getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Make sure you're getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Sleep deprivation appears to play a part in the occurrence of motor tics. Sleep loss, especially in combination with stress, can also exacerbate the issue's severity.[5]
    • Make sure that you practice good sleep hygiene.
6

Work on reducing stress.

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  1. Both situational stress and general anxiety contribute to tics and twitches. Both situational stress and general anxiety contribute to tics and twitches. Before seeing a counselor, you can try out techniques at home to relieve stress. Breathing exercises, self-massage, and meditation can also help improve your sleep habits and quality of sleep.
    • Wash your hands before giving face a massage. Use gentle, circular motions with your fingertips.[6]
    • Put on soothing music and use slow, deliberate breathing exercises to relax yourself.
    • Look for other ways of getting into a good state of mind: what makes you most relaxed?
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7

Try willfully suppressing your tic.

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  1. Replace it with a voluntary movement. Replace it with a voluntary movement. It might cause discomfort to suppress a tic, but it can be possible to delay the motion.[7] Work on holding it back if it makes you self-conscious in social situations. Concentrate on refocusing the energy that gives rise to the tic to another part of your body, and release the energy using a different movement.
    • Some therapists try to have you refocus or distract yourself when you are having the tic, such as by diverting your attention onto something else. For example, you might place your feet flat on the ground and pay attention to how this feels, count down from 100, or rub a penny between your fingers.
8

Ignore the twitch.

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  1. It may go away on its own, especially in children. It may go away on its own, especially in children. If your child is experiencing a nose or mouth twitch, sometimes the best solution is to ignore it. Calling attention to it might actually trigger it or harm self-esteem. Tics are common in children: up to one in four develop a tic that lasts between one month and one year before puberty.[8]
    • Consider your child’s age and when the tic started occurring.
    • If any vocal tics or complex involuntary movements accompany a facial twitch, you should see your child’s pediatrician rather than ignore these symptoms. In combination, they can indicate neurological disorders such as Tourette syndrome. Having a tic may also lead to a lack of socialization and stress for the child.
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9

Consult your doctor if the issue persists.

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  1. Bring along any notes you've taken. Bring along any notes you've taken. If the facial twitch persists for a year or more, consult your doctor—or your child’s doctor, if they're the one experiencing the twitch. You should contact your PCP or visit a health clinic if home remedies don't work, or if your symptoms don't go away or worsen over time. You should also see your doctor to confirm a potential cause, such as diet or drug use, prescribed or otherwise. Your doctor can also refer you to specialists, such as a neurologist or mental health professional.[9]
    • Any notes you’ve taken on the tic’s causes and patterns will be beneficial. Your doctor can order tests or refer you to a specialist if necessary.[10]
10

Consider if the issue is part of a more significant disorder.

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  1. Your tic or... Your tic or twitch could be associated with Tourette syndrome if it persists over time, changes in severity, or is associated with both complex movements and vocal grunts or other utterances.[11] A facial tic or twitch could indicate Bell's Palsy, a non-specific diagnosis for sudden paralysis, weakness, or other symptoms associated with nerve damage in the face.[12]
    • You should see a doctor if any of these factors apply to rule out more serious issues.
    • A Bell’s Palsy is a medical condition that causes sudden onset unilateral facial paralysis. Facial Palsy can also be caused by a herpes simplex virus infection. Treatment involves either glucocorticoids or antiviral therapy.
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11

See a neurologist if your doctor recommends it.

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  1. Your PCP may refer you if they think it's a physical problem. Your PCP may refer you if they think it's a physical problem. This should be an early step if you’ve recently suffered head or neck trauma or any potential nerve damage in the twitch’s region that could be its cause. See your PCP for a referral, visit a local clinic, or consult the internet for help finding one. A neurologist can order an MRI and identify physical problems with your brain and nervous system.[13]
12

Consult a therapist for stress-induced twitches.

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  1. Ask your PCP for a recommendation. Ask your PCP for a recommendation. If you suspect anxiety or a related psychological factor is the root of your facial twitch, consult a psychologist, psychiatrist, or licensed therapist. Triggers can either be situational, like a break-up or stress at work, or more global in nature, such as a diagnosed mental health disorder.
    • Note any history of such diagnoses with the mental health professional you consult.
    • Remember, no two people have the same emotional and psychological lives. Do not feel shame in seeking help or seeing a therapist. The twitch might go away as soon as you get your stress off your chest.
    • If your nose or mouth tic is related to drug or alcohol abuse you should talk to a mental health or substance abuse professional.
    • Look online for county or state programs that offer free or income-based counseling programs.
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Tips

  • Be honest with any medical professionals you discuss the issue with, especially when discussing any potential drug and alcohol abuse, anxiety, depression, or other sensitive topics. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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References

  1. ↑ http://www.healthhype.com/lip-twitching.html
  2. ↑ http://www.ctds.info/tics.html
  3. ↑ http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-02/fyi-why-wont-muscle-stop-twitching
  4. ↑ http://www.healthhype.com/lip-twitching.html
  5. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/brain/tic-disorders-and_twitches#1
  6. ↑ http://www.newhealthadvisor.com/how-to-stop-eye-twitching.html
  7. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/brain/tic-disorders-and_twitches#1
  8. ↑ http:/www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/badhabit.htm#tics
  9. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2701289/
More References (4)
  1. ↑ http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Tic_disorders.aspx
  2. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tourette-syndrome/symptoms-causes/dxc-20163624
  3. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/brain/understanding-bells-palsy-basics
  4. ↑ https://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/ts.html

About This Article

Chris M. Matsko, MD Co-authored by: Chris M. Matsko, MD Family Medicine Physician This article was co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD. Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017. This article has been viewed 81,805 times. 26 votes - 88% Co-authors: 21 Updated: August 22, 2024 Views: 81,805 Categories: Movement Disorders

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

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Article SummaryX

To get rid of a long-term nose or mouth twitch, reduce your anxiety levels by practicing meditation or deep breathing at home. Alternatively, perform other activities that make you feel relaxed like painting or reading. In addition to reducing your anxiety, try to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night since sleep deprivation may worsen your twitch. If your twitch makes your self-conscious, try to wilfully suppress it by refocusing your energy into something else like counting backwards from 100. For more advice from our Medical co-author, like how excessive caffeine consumption can cause a twitch, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Chris M. Matsko, MD Co-authored by: Chris M. Matsko, MD Family Medicine Physician Co-authors: 21 Updated: August 22, 2024 Views: 81,805 88% of readers found this article helpful. 26 votes - 88% Click a star to add your vote

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