[34M] Experiencing abnormal facial movements and associated symptoms

Question

Additionally I've been informed that it could be a side effect of my amphetamine medication

Patient Description

A 34-year-old male reports experiencing abnormal facial movements characterized by involuntary mouth movements, teeth grinding, and altered speech. These symptoms have been present for a few hours, with a severity rated at 5 out of 10. Additionally, the patient is experiencing anxiety, back pain, and fatigue but has not noticed any changes in taste, sensitivity to sounds, or ear pain. There have been no recent viral infections or head injuries. The patient has a family history of neurological disorders and was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia in September 2020. Current medications include Morphine sulfate (15 mg, four times a day), Bosulif (400 mg, once a day), Trazodone (100 mg, nightly), Gabapentin (300 mg, five times a day), and Modafinil (200 mg, once a day) to manage symptoms and conditions. The patient does not have any known allergies or adverse reactions to medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Bell's Palsy: This condition causes sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles. It usually affects one side of the face and is often preceded by a viral infection. It's important to note that Bell's Palsy is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning it is considered only after other possible causes of facial paralysis have been ruled out.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and swelling, such as corticosteroids.
  • Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Given your age and the sudden onset of your symptoms, a stroke or TIA is less likely but still possible. These conditions occur when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. A TIA, often called a mini-stroke, is a temporary period of symptoms similar to those you'd have in a stroke.

    • Treatment involves urgent medical care and can include medications, surgery, or a combination of both.
  • Side effects of medication: Some of the medications you're taking, such as Gabapentin, can cause muscle twitching or spasms as a side effect. However, it's less common for these side effects to be isolated to one side of the face.

    • Treatment would involve discussing these side effects with your doctor, who may adjust your medication regimen.

What you can do

Given the severity and sudden onset of your symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. While waiting for medical help:

  1. Try to stay calm and rest.
  2. If you're having trouble speaking, swallowing, or breathing, avoid eating or drinking to prevent choking.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your symptoms worsen rapidly.
  • You experience any new symptoms such as difficulty speaking, weakness on one side of your body, severe headache, or vision changes.
  • You have difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I am an AI and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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8 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common causes of involuntary facial movements?

Involuntary facial movements can be caused by a variety of factors including neurological disorders, side effects of medications, stress, or conditions like Bell's Palsy. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.


Can medications like Gabapentin cause involuntary muscle movements?

Yes, medications like Gabapentin can cause side effects such as muscle twitching or spasms, although these are less commonly isolated to one side of the face. It's important to discuss any side effects with your doctor.


What are the symptoms of Bell's Palsy and how is it treated?

Bell's Palsy is characterized by sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, usually on one side. Symptoms can include drooping of the mouth, difficulty closing the eye, and altered speech. Treatment often involves corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.


How can one differentiate between a stroke and a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, leading to potential long-term damage, while a TIA, or mini-stroke, is a temporary period of similar symptoms without lasting damage. Both require immediate medical attention, but a TIA typically resolves within minutes to hours.

2 Comments


Leo#17

8 mo ago

By symptoms I mean "abnormal facial movements characterized by involuntary mouth movements, teeth grinding, and altered speech"

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Leo#17

8 mo ago

Medical student here. Your symptoms are most similar to something known as tardive dyskinesia, which is a side effect of long-term or high-dose use of antipsychotic medications, particularly the older, first-generation antipsychotics. You didn't list any usual suspects, but it's possible that trazodone, modafinil, and amphetamines might be related. If these were prescribed, I wouldn't stop taking anything until you discuss with your doctor

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