Overview
Isolated facial myokymia is a rare neurological condition that causes involuntary, fine, rippling or wave-like movements of the muscles in the face. The term 'myokymia' refers to spontaneous, small muscle twitches that appear as a flickering or undulating movement under the skin. In this isolated form, the twitching is limited to the facial muscles and is not part of a broader neurological syndrome. It is important to note that this condition has been classified as 'OBSOLETE' in the Orphanet rare disease database, meaning it may have been reclassified, merged with another condition, or is no longer considered a distinct clinical entity. Facial myokymia can sometimes be a benign and temporary phenomenon — many people experience brief eyelid twitching, for example — but when it is persistent and widespread across the face, it may warrant further investigation. In some cases, persistent facial myokymia can be a sign of an underlying condition such as multiple sclerosis, brainstem tumors, or other neurological disorders. When it occurs in true isolation without any underlying cause, it is generally considered benign. Treatment, when needed, is typically symptomatic and may include medications that calm nerve activity, such as carbamazepine or other anticonvulsants. Because this entry is now obsolete, patients experiencing facial myokymia should work with a neurologist to determine whether their symptoms fit into a currently recognized diagnostic category.
Key symptoms:
Involuntary rippling or wave-like movements of facial musclesFine twitching under the skin of the faceFlickering movements around the eyes, cheeks, or chinPersistent eyelid twitchingFacial muscle stiffness or tightnessVisible undulating movements on one or both sides of the face
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Isolated facial myokymia.
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Specialists
View all specialists →No specialists are currently listed for OBSOLETE: Isolated facial myokymia.
Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to OBSOLETE: Isolated facial myokymia.
Community
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Caregiver Resources
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.Could my facial twitching be a sign of a more serious underlying condition?,What tests do I need to rule out conditions like multiple sclerosis or a brain tumor?,What medications might help reduce the twitching, and what are their side effects?,Should I have regular follow-up MRI scans to monitor for any changes?,Are there lifestyle changes that could help reduce my symptoms?,Would Botox injections be an option for my facial twitching?,Since this condition is classified as obsolete, what is the current best diagnosis for my symptoms?
Common questions about OBSOLETE: Isolated facial myokymia
What is OBSOLETE: Isolated facial myokymia?
Isolated facial myokymia is a rare neurological condition that causes involuntary, fine, rippling or wave-like movements of the muscles in the face. The term 'myokymia' refers to spontaneous, small muscle twitches that appear as a flickering or undulating movement under the skin. In this isolated form, the twitching is limited to the facial muscles and is not part of a broader neurological syndrome. It is important to note that this condition has been classified as 'OBSOLETE' in the Orphanet rare disease database, meaning it may have been reclassified, merged with another condition, or is no l