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Oral and facial movements in the aged
1Ohio State University College of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Columbus 43210.
Summary
Orofacial movements can indicate underlying health issues, necessitating careful diagnosis. While treatments like surgery or botulinum toxin offer relief, many cases remain palliative due to unknown causes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Head and Neck Surgery
Background:
- Orofacial movements can be symptoms of systemic conditions.
- Muscle weakness and hyperactivity warrant investigation for skull base tumors or lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the diagnostic considerations and treatment options for abnormal orofacial movements.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical manifestations and diagnostic pathways.
- Evaluation of surgical interventions (myotomies, denervations) and pharmacological treatments (botulinum toxin).
Main Results:
- Surgical options are effective but can be disfiguring.
- Botulinum toxin provides temporary relief with minimal muscle impairment when used judiciously.
Conclusions:
- The etiology of many orofacial movement disorders is often idiopathic.
- Current treatments are largely palliative, with rare spontaneous remissions.