Facial tics manifest mostly in the eyes, nose and mouth. Tics are repetitive spasms causing eye blinking or squinting, nose and mouth twitching or facial grimacing, in rhythmic or sporadic sequence. There is, as yet, no known cause as to why tics occur but some studies suggest that tics run in families and that occurrence is more prevalent in males than in females. There is also no known preventive method or medication that will suppress tics. It has been found, however, that stress may aggravate tics. A good stress management program will be of help.

Tics, generally, allow for normal functioning. In most cases, there are no possibilities of the occurrence of complications. And there is now information that tics are not involuntary and can actually be controlled until the need for its release, which brings relief to the sufferer, is felt. Children who develop short-lived tics eventually out-grow it. Some children, however, carry the condition to their adulthood. These are referred to as chronic tics disorder.

Facial tics can also become a disabling condition. One indicator of a disabling tic is when muscle groups are affected. Another is when the tic is persistent or when it is severe. Consulting a medical professional is warranted when any of these symptoms are present. A simple physical examination will be able to diagnose and determine the type of tic condition one manifests. No special tests are necessary.

Western medical approach to tics is to, sometimes, conduct tests such as ECG, MRI, blood exam or CAT scan, in order to rule out any seizure disorder. Once ruled out, the more appropriate western medicine management can be done to alleviate the condition. Use of various types of drugs, behavior-modification techniques such as counseling and psychotherapy for stress management, remedial modalities such as botox injections and facial nerve or muscle surgeries have been accessed for facial tic relief. Other alternative modalities such as neuro-linguistic programming, hypnotherapy, energy healing, diet modification and supplementation have also been tried for tic control or elimination. An integrative doctor (a medical professional with training in alternative medicine ) could also be consulted for possible available natural treatment protocols that have worked.

There are a lot of approaches open to sufferers of facial tics. It is best to shift through all of this available information in order for an informed decision on the choice one will make in seeking alleviation from facial tics attacks.