The very first sign of the disease is the movement of muscles in the eyelid and around the eye. It progresses gradually and may be visible in other muscles on the same side of the face, specifically the mouth and jaw. Some people may have a mild form of the disease. The symptoms generally occur on one side of the face, but they can also occur on both sides. Symptoms include:
- Minor twitching of an eyelid, which may cause the eye to close.
- Changes in hearing.
- Pain behind the ear.
- Major spasms on one side of the face that affect both the cheek and mouth.
- Spasms that extend across the face, right up to the chin.