What causes facial muscle changes under stress?

Question

Hello doctor,

I never bothered to worry about this before but someone said I should see a doctor about this. The problem I have is that my facial muscles seem to always change shape when I am under stress. I remember someone once telling me he knew what was wrong with me. He said my face needs to breathe. Also when I shave and my face gets air my facial skin gets smoother in texture and fuller. I had not eaten in a while so I was starving and I went out to eat. I ordered a hot dog and by the time I finished eating I felt a surge of energy like my blood began to rush I think and my face popped and was a lot fuller. I think after that any time I would go to the toilet my stool would come out very dark and hard and messy. I do not know what could be the cause. So please could you help?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is very strange if your facial muscles tend to change shape on daily basis. I know of a few conditions in which facial flushing (redness) can occur due to increased blood flow, but the change in facial musculature with food intake or under stress is not a common thing. The facial flushing can occur with eating of certain foods which are rich in amines. Can also occur with hyperthyroidism and diseases like VIPoma or some other carcinoid syndrome. But the above things also have certain other presenting features.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There is only one facial nerve, that is the seventh nerve which comes out of our brains, there are many branches of the facial nerve, some branches of facial nerve supply the muscles of the face which are responsible for facial expressions. Yes, facial nerve involvement can cause paralysis of the muscles that are supplied by facial nerve but facial paralysis (be it UMN type or LMN type) is not waxing and waning thing. It occurs for once with partial or complete recovery.

Answer 3

Hello Kelvin, it's good to hear back from you. If a gush of fresh air, makes you feel better then it's good. Fresh air is always good. Don't worry much about it.