What is tongue spasm?

Tongue spasm is an informal name for a condition that doctors call lingual dystonia. Lingual means tongue, while dystonia is a medical term for a disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions, or spasms. Tongue spasms can make it difficult to swallow food. A tongue spasm may develop due to nerve problems or may be a side effect of particular medications. Treatment for tongue spasm will depend on the underlying cause.

Tongue spasm is a condition that causes a person's tongue to move in short, jerky motions. Tongue spasm happens to people without their willingness or control, which means that it is an involuntary condition. Tongue spasm can be temporary or permanent, and it can be caused by an underlying disorder, or it can be the result of taking certain medications.