What causes stiffness in the muscles on both sides of the mouth and difficulty opening the mouth, and what should be done about it?
May 15, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Jun
Introduction
Stiffness in the muscles on both sides of the mouth and difficulty opening the mouth may be related to facial muscle spasms, facial neuritis, or temporomandibular arthritis. Treatment can be carried out with oral medications. Compression of the facial nerve root by blood vessels in the cerebellopontine angle region can lead to facial muscle spasms. Clinically, this condition presents with paroxysmal facial pain, twitching, and muscle stiffness.
Stiffness and limited mouth opening on both sides of the mouth may be related to conditions such as facial muscle spasms, facial neuritis, or temporomandibular joint arthritis. Oral medications can be used for treatment. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Facial Muscle Spasms
Facial muscle spasms occur when blood vessels in the cerebellopontine angle compress the facial nerve root, leading to involuntary contractions of the facial muscles. Clinically, this manifests as paroxysmal facial pain, twitching, and stiffness. Medications such as oxcarbazepine tablets or carbamazepine tablets may be used under medical guidance.
2. Facial Neuritis
Facial neuritis may also result from compression or injury to the facial nerve, such as from skull fractures, trauma, or surgery, causing irritation of the nerve. Clinical symptoms include crooked mouth corners, facial muscle paralysis, and difficulty opening the mouth. Treatment may involve medications such as prednisone acetate tablets or hydrocortisone acetate tablets under medical supervision.
3. Temporomandibular Joint Arthritis
Trauma from external impact or biting hard objects may cause contusion of the temporomandibular joint and dysfunction of the masticatory muscles, leading to inflammatory infection. Clinically, this presents with local swelling, pain, and restricted mouth opening. Medications such as sodium diclofenac sustained-release tablets or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules may be used under medical guidance.
In addition to the above factors, this condition may also be associated with diseases such as mumps, facial paralysis, or stroke. It is important to promptly visit a hospital for relevant examinations and follow medical advice for treatment.
