A sudden twitch in your lip might seem harmless or even mildly amusing at first. But if it keeps recurring, should you be concerned? Lip twitching or lip tremor could be signalling something worse and, in some instances, it is an early sign of a neurological disorder like Parkinson's disease.
We spoke to Dr Amrut SD, Consultant - Neurology, Manipal Hospital, Goa, who explained the link between lip twitching and Parkinson's.
What Is A Lip Tremor?
"Lip tremors are involuntary, rhythmic movements or twitching of the lips or the muscles around the mouth. These tremors usually happen when your face is in a resting position, so naturally, they're known as resting tremors. These tremors are different from the random twitch we get because of fatigue, caffeine intake, or stress because they're more persistent and patterned," explained Dr Amrut.
As per a 2021 research, lip and jaw facial tremors are considered to be a comparatively infrequent symptom of Parkinson's disease and can occur in the initial phases. It is said that only 1.7% of patients have facial tremors at the time of the onset of the disease, and this rate goes up as high as 14% after an average of nine years.
A second study published in the Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements journal revealed that lip and jaw tremors were detected in 17% of Parkinson's patients. The motor severity of these tremors was associated with limb rest tremors, suggesting a shared pathophysiology with limb tremors.
Also Read: 7 Common But Most Ignored Signs Of Parkinson's Disease You Should Know!
Lip Tremors and Parkinson’s: What’s the Link?
Lip tremors are often associated with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects movement. It is marked by tremors, stiff muscles, imbalance, and walking, all related to brain damage in motor control areas.
Parkinson's impacts the basal ganglia, a group of structures within the brain that are responsible for controlling movement. These areas release dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential for orderly, well-coordinated body movements. "In Parkinson's, the loss of dopamine-secreting cells, which worsens over time, leads to motor symptoms, such as tremors, rigidity, slowness of movement, and changes in posture and gait," added Dr Amrut.
When Should You Be Concerned?
Lip quivering on its own doesn’t automatically mean you have Parkinson’s. It can also result from exhaustion, stress, or as a side effect of a medication. But when lip tremors are accompanied by other symptoms, it becomes more important to pay attention.
Here are some other symptoms listed by the expert that you should be aware of:
- Facial masking: Diminished expression of facial muscles, making the face look 'masked' or expressionless.
- Stiffness in the joints: Often starting on one side of the body.
- Slowed daily activities: Taking longer to do daily activities.
- Balance problems: Feeling off-balance or more prone to falls.
- Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling or staying asleep, or acting out dreams (REM sleep behaviour disorder).
Also, lip tremors in Parkinson’s tend to reduce when the person is actively moving or sleeping. They can increase during times of stress or anxiety.
Also Read: Can Parkinson's Disease Be Managed With Timely Medications And Support? Expert Weighs In
Why Early Detection Matters
The early detection of these symptoms is crucial. While there is no cure available yet, early treatment prevents the disease from advancing and enhances the patient's quality of life through a combination of:
- Medications that enhance dopamine levels.
- Physiotherapy to improve mobility and muscle strength.
- Lifestyle adjustments, including diet, exercise, and mental wellness practices.
- Early diagnosis also gives patients and their families more time to plan for the future, build support systems, and make informed choices about care.
When to See a Doctor
"If you or a family member becomes aware of an enduring lip tremor or a range of other early symptoms, seeking treatment from a neurologist is not only advised but may help with an initial diagnosis. Early intervention can have a substantial impact on long-term results," advised Dr Amrut.
Bottomline
A twitching lip might seem trivial, but in some cases, it can be your body’s way of sounding the alarm. Understanding when it’s just a passing glitch and when it might signal a deeper issue like Parkinson’s disease is key.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]