What should I do if the facial muscles at the corner of my mouth spasm when yawning?
May 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Yawning-induced muscle spasms at the corner of the mouth may be caused by physiological factors, or by pathological conditions such as hypocalcemia and facial neuritis. When a person yawns excessively, forcing the mouth to open or stretch beyond its normal range, muscle spasms may occur. It is recommended to get adequate rest and avoid strenuous exercise. Besides the aforementioned causes, such spasms could also be due to tumors.
Yawning-induced muscle spasms at the corner of the mouth may be caused by physiological factors, or by pathological conditions such as hypocalcemia or facial neuritis. The specific details are as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
When a patient yawns, excessive force causing the mouth to open or stretch beyond its normal range may lead to muscle spasms. It is recommended to get adequate rest and avoid strenuous physical activity.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Hypocalcemia
This condition may arise due to vitamin D deficiency or metabolic abnormalities, resulting in reduced bone calcium release, impaired renal tubular reabsorption of calcium, or decreased intestinal calcium absorption, which can cause the aforementioned symptoms. Treatment may include taking glucose acid calcium zinc oral solution or alfacalcidol tablets as directed by a physician.
2. Facial Neuritis
This may be caused by bacterial or viral infections. Compression of the nerve within the stylomastoid foramen can disrupt local blood circulation, leading to symptoms such as facial asymmetry and muscle spasms. Medications such as betazole tablets, dexamethasone tablets, or prednisone acetate tablets may be used under medical supervision for treatment.
In addition to the above causes, tumors may also be responsible. It is important to adjust the diet and avoid consuming excessively hard foods.
