Abstract / Summary
Abstract Purpose The study aims to broadly describe the phenomenology of craniofacial movement disorders and offer an overview for neurologists and practitioners. Its goal is to emphasize the underdiagnosis and misdiagnosis of these conditions and how they affect patients' quality of life. Method The study investigates disorders affecting craniofacial movement, including the face, jaw, tongue, palate, eyes, and ears. It covers a variety of movements and conditions, ranging from common issues like hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm, and myokymia to rarer conditions such as rabbit syndrome and tardive dyskinesia. The review sources include articles found via PubMed and Google Scholar, published up to December 2025. Findings The most common craniofacial movement disorders are hemifacial spasm, blepharospasm, and myokymia. Less common conditions involve the ears, chin, and tongue, such as ear dyskinesia, geniospasm, and lingual dystonia. The study also notes these disorders' presence in patients with autoimmune conditions, with new terms like dystonic or dyskinetic stereotypies emerging. Furthermore, up to 10% of patients with functional movement disorders also experience craniofacial movement issues. Conclusion Craniofacial movement disorders are often underdiagnosed, which can greatly affect patients' quality of life. Additional research is needed to improve diagnostic accuracy and better understand the variability in their phenotypes. These findings highlight the importance for clinicians to recognize these disorders to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.