Facial Tics

Facial tics are caused by involuntary muscle spasms in the face, usually involving the cheeks and eyes. It can be frequent squinting, blinking, or wrinkling of the nose. Facial tics are more common in childhood, but can be occasionally seen in adults. Boys are more likely to suffer from facial tics than girls are by three to four times, but girls still are susceptable to them. Facial tics can certainly be embarrassing for children, particularly if they are teased or taunted as a result of an ongoing facial tic.

As children, facial tics usually occur between the ages of 7 and 9 years of age, but have been reported in children as young as three years of age. They can be controlled by making a conscious effort for brief periods of time, but that method of dealing with facial tics sometimes causes more anxiety, making the tic more aggravated.

There are some medications for severe tics for illnesses such as Tourrette Syndrome, but for the most part, facial tics generally resolve themselves in time. Children will usually grow out of them by the time they reach adolescence. For this reason, doctors don't frequently prescribe medications to children with facial tics. They just wait for the tic to resolve itself with age.

There is a general uncertainty regarding why facial tics are more common in boys than in girls. Researchers still have drawn no conclusions related to gender and facial tics. Tics also generally stop or slow down when the patient sleeps or is relaxed. Focusing on the tic usually makes it worse, so it is important to try to remain calm and relaxed.

Facial tics in children can be difficult to explain. While they are involuntary spasms of muscles in the child's face, they can certainly be controlled if the patient makes a conscious effort. However, it is good to know that most resolve themselves as the child grow up, and most will be a distant memory once the child reaches adolescence.