Facial Tic | What is the difference between facial tic and blepharospasm?

What is the difference between facial tic (mimic spasm) and blepharospasm?

The term “facial tic” is often used to describe involuntary movements of the face, especially around the eyes and the corners of the mouth. These movements are usually brief and do not last. Typically, they are not associated with the “compression” of the muscles around the eyes that normally accompany blepharospasm.

· Common facial tic includes hemifacial spasm which is characterized by abnormal and very rapid contractions on one side of the face. Hemifacial spasm can sometimes occur as a result of Bell’s palsy (a form of temporary facial palsy resulting from injury or trauma to one of the two facial nerves) or be associated with facial weakness. The movements are often caused by eating, talking or whistling. Some people with the condition have symptoms in the upper part of the face when they move the lower part of the face.

Another facial tic is the rapid facial movements that occur in people with chronic motor tics. Chronic motor tics can affect only one side of the face or both, and movement is usually preceded by a strong urge to gesture. Once the movement is done, the urge is often relieved. Usually, the person with chronic motor tics has the ability to suppress movements if they focus on them. Chronic motor tics can occur in any part of the body, including the face, arms, legs, or torso.

· The manifestation of blepharospasm is an involuntary movement that targets the upper part of the face. It can also target the lower part of the face, tongue, pharynx, jaw, neck and other body segments. However, these movements are usually not suppressible because they are involuntary and not under the direct control of the person making them.

· There is some overlap in the way blepharospasm and tics appear. So even experts can disagree on whether a person has chronic motor tics or blepharospasm. Disagreement will most often occur when symptoms are subtle and give similar results on the test. Sometimes, a background check will help clarify the cause. Hemifacial spasm and blepharospasm are known to respond well to botulinum toxin treatment. Facial tics can respond well to it as well.