Involuntary eye blinking, sniffing, throat-clearing, grimacing, shrugging, jolting, and other uncontrolled repetitive movements are symptoms of tics. While seeing or hearing a child exhibit such unexpected behaviors is worrisome for parents; children also find it a nuisance. They’ve reported feeling an ‘urge’ to tic, followed by a release of tension once it’s through.
A Few Facts About Tics
- During school years, one in fivechildren experience tics of some kind, although most tics get resolved on their own within a few months.
- According to research, tics are more common in children than adults.
- Tics are more apparent at 5-8 years; they peak at ten years and dissipate before adulthood.
- It’s reported that boys are more likely to experience tics than girls.
- In certain situations where a child feels strong emotions, tics may worsen. Common triggers include anger, stressful events, excitement, etc.
- Similarly, a supportive family, friend circle, adequate sleep, and activities that help the child focus elsewhere may reduce tics.
- Children also tend to suppresstics when they’re embarrassed, in a new situation, in a social setting, or are being observed by doctors. But after a short time of holding back, they get noticeably worse.
Having Tics Means A Child Has Tourette Syndrome?
Tics that are transient, meaning they go away on their own within a year, are classified as chronic tic disorders. But when a child has vocal and motor tics for more than a year, it’s diagnosed as Tourette’s syndrome.
According to the CDC, 0.3% (1/360) of children have this complex neurological disorder in the USA. This means 138,000 children of ages 6-17 have received a diagnosis.
When To See An Expert?
If tics have lasted more than a year and are causing emotional or mental distress to a child, it’s best to see a board-certified doctor. Sometimes tics can become more frequent or severe, causing pain or discomfort while performing everyday tasks. This can cause depression, anger, frustration, social isolation, and lead to self-harm. Seeking help from a premium healthcare facility such as Movement Help is recommended.
Treatment
Although most movement disorders have no cure, effective treatments can help reduce symptoms. Neuroleptic medications, dopamine blockers, Botox injections, muscle relaxants, and other medications are used to improve the quality of life and treat any possible underlying conditions.
Dr.Farzin Pedouim’s extensive experience is beyond that of a Parkinson’s disease specialist. He specializes in treating complicated neuromuscular disorders and chalks out a customized treatment plan using a combination of far-ranging methods to suit the patient’s needs.
Patients who don’t respond to conventional treatments have reported improved mobility and function, and reduced tics with deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapy, comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (CBT), habit reversal therapy, behavioral modification with psychotherapy, and ERP (Exposure Response Prevention) offered at Movement Help.
Dr.Farzin Pedouim also provides treatment options for vertigo, spasms, dystonia, and many other neurodegenerative disorders. If you’re looking for treatment for yourself or a loved one, reach out to us at (949) 239-4410.
