Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
Alternative names
Tic - facial; Mimic spasmDefinition Return to top
A facial tic is a repetitive, spasmodic movement often involving the eyes and facial muscles.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Tics most often occur in children, but may persist into adulthood in some cases. Tics occur 3 to 4 times as often in boys as girls. Tics may affect as many as one-fourth of all children at some time. The cause 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), were previously thought to precipitate tics in children already prone to the disorder. However, recent studies published do not support this notion and suggest that these medications can be used in children with tics who also have attention deficit disorder, which commonly occurs in the same population.
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.
Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
A tic is generally diagnosed during a physical examination. No special tests are necessary. Rarely, an individual may require an EEG to rule out seizures or seizure-type activity.Treatment Return to top
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.
If tics are disabling, medications such as Risperidone (as well as others) may be effective in controlling the tics.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Simple childhood tics can be expected to disappear spontaneously over a period of months. Chronic tics may last indefinitely.Complications Return to top
In most cases, there are no complications.
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if tics are severe, affect multiple muscle groups, or are persistent.Prevention Return to top
Many cases are not preventable. Reducing stress may be helpful, and sometimes counseling is advised to help the child learn how to cope with stress. Update Date: 2/10/2003 Updated by: Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., M.Sc., Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |