HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Is The Cause Of Eye Twitching When I Smile?

For about two years when I smile my right eye twitches & sometimes my mouth draws up on right side.
I've had Botox but not for this purpose and not by a neurologist. Should I see a neurologist. Reading about Synkinesis sounds like my problem but have had no trauma
Tue, 18 Mar 2014
Report Abuse
Ophthalmologist,  's  Response
The fact that this has been going on for 2 years is somewhat reassuring first of all. A few things come to mind based on your symptoms. If it only happens when you smile, then it could be aberrant regeneration of the 7th cranial nerve. In the absence of trauma, this can occur after an episode of Bell's palsy, even if it happend a long time ago. If it is happening spontaneously, it could be hemifacial spasm in which case imaging would be needed. Another diagnosis that comes to mind is Meige's Syndrome which causes eyelid spasm along with jaw spasm. Finally, it could be eyelid myokymia (eyelid flutter), from lack of sleep / stress / or too much caffeine. In any case, I recommend you see an Neuo-Ophthalmologist, or a Neurologist for a comprehensive examination. I hope this helps, and good luck to you.
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Synkinesis


Loading Online Doctors....
What Is The Cause Of Eye Twitching When I Smile?

The fact that this has been going on for 2 years is somewhat reassuring first of all. A few things come to mind based on your symptoms. If it only happens when you smile, then it could be aberrant regeneration of the 7th cranial nerve. In the absence of trauma, this can occur after an episode of Bell s palsy, even if it happend a long time ago. If it is happening spontaneously, it could be hemifacial spasm in which case imaging would be needed. Another diagnosis that comes to mind is Meige s Syndrome which causes eyelid spasm along with jaw spasm. Finally, it could be eyelid myokymia (eyelid flutter), from lack of sleep / stress / or too much caffeine. In any case, I recommend you see an Neuo-Ophthalmologist, or a Neurologist for a comprehensive examination. I hope this helps, and good luck to you.