Do nerve damage or psychological issue cause an smile issue?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 16 years old and not good. I have a smile issue. I think it started before 5 years if I am not wrong. I feel like I cannot put a smile for more than 3 to 4 seconds ,and sometimes I think it trembles. My smile is very uncomfortable and weird. This whole thing has caused me social anxiety. I want to do so many things that I cannot do. All these years, I thought that this is a psychological problem. But I started thinking that there is any facial issue or nerve damage. I thought to get in touch with a neurologist. Because, when I smile, I feel like my facial muscles cannot handle it and start twitching too. Also if I try to close a little bit my eye starts twitching, and same for my nose. I would be so glad if there is some physical problem and can be fixed. My life has been ruined all these years because of this. Please help me.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Smile is a complex process executed by a group of muscles and nerves. If you are having difficulty while smiling, then it could be because of psychological or organic cause. Psychological cause includes anxiety disorders, and organic cause includes nerve damage. I would advise you to visit a local neurologist for nerve conduction studies. There are lots of options to correct the smile. For psychogenic causes, you can meet a psychiatrist for counseling and medical treatment to deal your anxiety.