Oromandibular Dyskinesia (Facial & Jaw Movement Disorder)
Involuntary jaw or tongue movements? It may be more than just muscle tension.
At Advanced TMJ Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center, we understand how frightening and frustrating it can be to live with sudden, uncontrollable movements of the jaw, tongue, or face. These symptoms may be due to a rare but treatable condition called Oromandibular Dyskinesia (or Dystonia)—a neuromuscular disorder we are uniquely equipped to manage.
Serving patients from Seattle, Bellevue, and Shoreline and Beyond.
What Is Oromandibular Dyskinesia?
Oromandibular Dyskinesia (also referred to sometimes as Oromandibular Dystonia) is a movement disorder involving involuntary, repetitive, or sustained muscle contractions in the lower face, jaw, lips, and tongue. These movements can interfere with speaking, eating, swallowing, and even social interaction—often leading to embarrassment or anxiety.
It can occur on its own (idiopathic), as part of a larger movement disorder like dystonia or Parkinson’s disease, or as a result of medication side effects (especially long-term use of antipsychotic or anti-nausea drugs) and is attributed to dysfunction in basal ganglia motor pathway.
What are the Symptoms of Oromandibular Dyskinesia
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Involuntary jaw movements: clenching, opening, sideways shifting
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Tongue protrusion or repetitive tongue movements
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Lip pursing or facial twitching
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Difficulty with speech (slurred or interrupted)
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Trouble chewing or swallowing
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Facial pain or soreness due to repetitive motion
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Symptoms may worsen with stress or fatigue
Common Misdiagnoses
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Oromandibular dyskinesia is often misdiagnosed as:
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Psychogenic facial tics
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Seizures or anxiety-related behaviors
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Residual effects of dental or surgical trauma
That’s why it’s important to see a provider trained in orofacial movement disorders.
Diagnosis at Our Center
Our comprehensive evaluation process includes:
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A detailed symptom and medical history
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Observation and video documentation of movement patterns
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Cranial nerve and motor function assessment
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Review of medications, past trauma, or underlying neurological conditions
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Collaboration with neurologists or movement disorder specialists if needed
We distinguish oromandibular dyskinesia from TMJ disorders, nerve pain, or functional disorders using a systematic, patient-centered approach.
Treatment Options We Offer
At Advanced TMJ Maxillofacial Pain & Sleep Center, we use targeted, non-surgical treatments to improve motor control and reduce discomfort:
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Botulinum toxin injections (Botox®)
Precisely administered into overactive facial or jaw muscles to block unwanted contractions. Injections are customized using EMG or anatomical guidance for safe, effective relief. -
Oral appliances (sensory trick devices)
Custom neurosensory stents that provide mechanical feedback to calm overactive motor loops, often helping reduce symptoms between Botox sessions. -
Medication adjustments
We review your current prescriptions to identify drug-induced dyskinesia and coordinate with your primary physician or psychiatrist to adjust or taper causative medications. -
Low-Level Laser Therapy (Photobiomodulation)
May be used to reduce muscle tension, pain, and spasm as part of a supportive care plan. -
Multidisciplinary care
We collaborate with neurologists, speech-language pathologists, and mental health providers to ensure whole-person treatment.
Why Choose Us?
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Board-Certified Orofacial Pain Specialist trained in neuromuscular facial disorders
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Advanced techniques including BOTOX, oral appliance therapy, and laser
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Compassionate care tailored to each patient’s presentation
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Serving Seattle, Bellevue, Shoreline, Everett, Issaquah, Renton, Tacoma, Puyallup and surrounding regions
Living with Uncontrolled Jaw or Tongue Movements?
There is help—and hope.
Let’s work together to reduce your symptoms and restore control.
