Facial Tics

Facial tics, spasms in the eye and face area generally affect children, but some adults suffer from the condition as well. It is estimated that nearly quater of all children are affected by this condition which can worsen with stress. Symptoms of facial tics can include repeated and uncontrolled spasms or movements in the facial area. This can include eye blinking that is excessive, grimacing, mouth twitching, nose wrinkling, or even squinting. If your child repeatedly clears their throat or grunts this may also be a sign of facial tics.

What should a parent do if they notice their child showing symptoms of facial tics? Don't alarm the child, as stress can worsen the tics and even prolong them and make a doctor's appointment. Doctors will generally diagnose if a child has facial tics at an office appointment. Treatment won't be prescribed unless the tics are sever and do not go away on their own.

Chronic motor tic disorder is a disorder that involves quick uncontrollable movements or vocal outbursts. The two symptoms will not be present at the same time. Chronic tic disorder affects only 1 to 2% of the population and is not as common as the facial tics that appear and disappear on their own. Treatment in these instances may include medicine and psychotherapy. Chronic motor tic disorder usually appears between the ages of 6 to 8 years and lasts 4 to 6 years and will disappear in early adolescence.

Although tics are common in children, the cause of them remains unknown. They often appear and disappear on their own within weeks or months. Tics can not be prevented but the factors such as stress can be reduced if not eliminated to lessen the chance of them appearing to begin with.