Why does my facial muscle twitch when I'm nervous, and what should I do about it?

Facial muscle twitching when nervous may be caused by physiological factors, or by pathological conditions such as facial myokymia or epileptic seizures. Treatment can be achieved through general management and medication. Specific details are as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

When anxious, the body releases large amounts of adrenaline, putting it into a state of stress. It also releases serotonin, which may trigger abnormal electrical discharges in brain cells, leading to muscle spasms. It is important to maintain a positive mental state and avoid emotional excitement.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Facial Myokymia

This condition may be caused by mechanical irritation, compression of the facial nerve, or incomplete recovery from facial nerve paralysis. In the early stages, symptoms mainly include twitching at the corner of the mouth and across the entire face. Medications such as oxcarbazepine tablets or levetiracetam tablets may be taken under medical guidance.

2. Epileptic Seizures

These are generally caused by damage to the central nervous system or unstable cell membranes, resulting in electrolyte disturbances and abnormal synchronized discharges in brain cells, leading to tremors in the limbs. Treatment may include medications such as lamotrigine tablets or compound phenobarbital sodium bromide tablets, used under a doctor's supervision.

In addition to the above causes, facial twitching could also result from conditions such as cerebral hemorrhage, stroke, or cerebral infarction. Adequate rest should be ensured and excessive fatigue avoided. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when experiencing symptoms and receive standardized treatment under professional medical guidance to promote recovery.