What To Do About Tics

Tics are actually a relatively common occurrence in clinical neurology, and many children report experiencing tics to their doctors. When evaluating tics, medical professionals typically ask patients for a detailed description of the movements. This is because the nature and cause of tics can vary significantly. For example, some children may experience full-body jerks accompanied by a loss of consciousness or awareness, which could indicate epilepsy. In such cases, it's crucial to consider the possibility of epileptic seizures, as tics are a frequent symptom of this neurological disorder.

Understanding Tourette Syndrome

Aside from epilepsy, another condition frequently seen in clinical settings is Tourette Syndrome, sometimes referred to as vocal and motor tic disorder. Children with this condition may exhibit sudden, repetitive movements such as arm jerks or head twitches. These symptoms often appear during early childhood, typically between the ages of 5-6 or 7-8 years old. The prevalence of Tourette Syndrome has increased in recent years, affecting approximately 5-10% of children. If this condition is suspected, it's advisable to seek professional help from a hospital's neurology department, pediatric neurology clinic, or a neuropsychiatric specialist for appropriate intervention and management.

Habitual Tics and Their Management

In some cases, children develop what is known as habitual tics. These types of tics are generally less concerning than epilepsy or Tourette Syndrome, as they tend to have a much better prognosis. Habitual tics often stem from imitative behavior - for instance, a child might mimic someone else's eye blinking or copy a playful facial expression they've observed. Over time, these imitations can become ingrained habits. Once more serious conditions like epilepsy and Tourette Syndrome have been ruled out, the focus can shift to addressing these habitual tics through patient education and counseling. With proper guidance and time, children with habitual tics typically see natural improvement in their symptoms.