Facial tics

Causes and Risks:

Tics most often occur in children but may persist into adulthood in some cases. Tics occur three to four times as often in boys as girls. Tics may affect as many as one-fourth of all children at some time.

The cause(s) of tics is unknown but stress appears to increase the severity of already established tics. Short lived or transient tics are common in childhood and may appear and disappear within a matter of weeks or months ( transient tic disorder ). These tics often involve the eyes or facial muscles. The most commonly seen facial tics are repetitive eye blinking, squinting, wrinkling of the nose, and twitches around the mouth. Repetitive throat clearing or deep throaty sounds or grunts may also be considered tics. Certain medications such as methylphenidate, used to treat hyperactivity in children, may precipitate tics in children already prone to the disorder or may worsen existing tics.

A chronic motor tic disorder also exists. It may last for years. This form is extremely rare compared to the common short-lived childhood tic . Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is a separate condition in which tics are a predominant symptom.

Prevention:

Many cases are not preventable. Reducing stress may be helpful, sometimes counseling is advised to help the child learn how to cope with stress.

Symptoms:
  • repetitive involuntary spasmodic muscle movements
  • eye blinking
  • squinting
  • nose wrinkling
  • mouth twitches
  • facial grimacing
  • repetitive throat clearing or grunting



Signs and Tests:

Diagnosis of a tic is generally made during physical examination . No special tests are indicated. A rare individual may require an EEG to rule out seizures or seizure-type activity.

Treatment:

Transient childhood tics are not treated. Calling the child's attention to a tic may increase its severity or prolong its disappearance. A non-stressful environment is helpful in both decreasing the frequency of a tic and hastening its disappearance.

Prognosis:

Simple childhood tics can be expected to disappear spontaneously over a period of months. Chronic tics may last indefinitely.

Complications:

  • usually, none



Call Your Healthcare Provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if tics are severe, affect multiple muscle groups, or are persistent.