What causes constant twitching of the facial muscles?
Nov 28, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
In general, constant twitching of the facial muscles may be caused by factors such as mental stress, excessive fatigue, facial nerve inflammation, benign idiopathic hemifacial spasm, or trigeminal neuralgia. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital. In daily life, it's important to maintain emotional stability and avoid excessive tension or anxiety; keep a regular sleep schedule and avoid chronic sleep deprivation.
Under normal circumstances, twitching of facial muscles may be caused by factors such as mental stress, excessive fatigue, facial neuritis, benign essential blepharospasm, or trigeminal neuralgia. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a reputable hospital. Specific causes are analyzed as follows:
1. Mental Stress
Prolonged anxiety and excessive pressure can lead to abnormally increased nerve excitability, resulting in involuntary contractions of facial muscles. Maintain regular作息 (daily routines), ensure 7–8 hours of sleep each night, relieve stress through deep breathing or listening to soothing music, and avoid long-term exposure to high-pressure environments.
2. Excessive Fatigue
Chronic lack of sleep and overuse of the eyes prevent adequate rest for facial muscles and nerves, leading to functional twitching. Immediately stop high-intensity work or prolonged screen use, close your eyes to rest, and apply a warm towel to the face for 10 minutes to improve local blood circulation.
3. Facial Neuritis
Inflammation of the facial nerve caused by viral infection leads to abnormal nerve conduction, causing facial muscle twitching, often accompanied by symptoms such as facial drooping and difficulty closing the eyes. Antiviral and neurotrophic medications such as Acyclovir tablets, Mecobalamin tablets, and Vitamin B1 tablets may be used under medical guidance, along with acupuncture and physical therapy to promote recovery.
4. Benign Essential Blepharospasm
Abnormal electrical discharges occur when the facial nerve is compressed by a blood vessel. Twitching typically starts around the eye and gradually spreads to the cheek area, worsening during emotional excitement. Medications such as Carbamazepine tablets, Oxcarbazepine tablets, or Gabapentin capsules may be prescribed by a doctor. In severe cases, microvascular decompression of the facial nerve may be performed.
5. Trigeminal Neuralgia
Intense pain caused by irritation of the trigeminal nerve is often preceded by warning twitches in the facial muscles. Medications such as Pregabalin capsules, Phenytoin sodium tablets, or Carbamazepine tablets may be used under medical supervision. If drug therapy fails, surgical procedures such as sectioning of the sensory root of the trigeminal nerve may be considered.
In daily life, it is important to maintain emotional stability and avoid excessive tension or anxiety; adhere to a regular sleep schedule and avoid chronic sleep deprivation; protect the face from cold exposure and direct drafts; maintain a balanced diet and reduce intake of spicy or irritating foods; and undergo regular health check-ups to detect and address any neurological abnormalities early.
