Lip Twitching Could Signal Early Parkinson’s Disease, Warns Neurologist:

Involuntary lip twitching is relatively common and harmless. It's often a response to stress, extreme tiredness, or over-caffeination. On the other hand, persistent twitching, particularly if it is rhythmic or unilateral, may pose an early warning sign for Parkinson's disease, according to Dr. Darshan Doshi, Consultant Neurologist at P. D. Hinduja Hospital and MRC.

He further suggests, “If lip twitching becomes more frequent or begins to disrupt the daily routine, it should be taken seriously. The autonomic nervous system might be pointing towards an underlying issue.”

Analyzing Neurology

The fundamental pathological basis of Parkinson's disease is the irreversible loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra region of the brain. The depletion of dopamine triggers motor symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and a reduction in the pace of action.

“The facial musculature around the lips is particularly responsive to even minute alterations in the motor pathways,” explains Dr. Doshi. These slight movements are the tremors that manifest when the person is at rest, which is typically the initial symptom of Parkinson's disease.

Identifying the Lip Twitching Symptoms Associated With Parkinson’s Disease

The following features have been noted regarding Parkinson’s lip twitching by Dr. Doshi.

Rhythmic tremor (4 – 6 Hz)

Occurs in rest position

Initial manifestation is unilateral (in one half of the face)

Facial motor tremors are progressive

Other associated symptoms may include:

Absence of facial expression or masks facial expression (masked face)

Bradykinesia

Jaw rigidity

Dysarthria or dysphagia

Micrographia

Impaired balance

Involuntary movement of the limbs

Other ‘Lip Twitching’ Causes

Typical causes that are not associated with any form of Parkinson’s includes:

Extreme anxiety and daily stress – have the ability to trigger temporary spasms of the face.

Loss of sleep – causes muscle spasms

Increased caffeine consumption – overstimulates the nervous system

Medication adverse reactions – few medicines list tremors as a side effect

Other diseases – essential tremor or hemifacial spasm

When is the appropriate time to get medical advice

Facial spasm persists for more than few weeks, and accompanied with some additional abnormal symptoms, it is best practice to contact a qualified neurologist. Diagnosis usually includes physical examination, clinical assessment, and medication therapy (in some instances with levodopa), and imaging studies to either confirm or rule out Parkinson’s disease or other neurological conditions.