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Tics – Symptoms, Causes and different Types

Tics are fast and repetitive muscle movements. They result in sudden and difficulty to control body jolts or sounds. They are fairly common in childhood. They typically first appear at around five years of age. In very rare cases, they can start in adulthood. Usually, tics are not serious and they normally improve over time. But, tics can be frustrating and they can interfere with daily activities. Tourette’s syndrome is a term that is used when tics have lasted for more than a year. [1]

tics

This condition is covered separately. In most cases, people stop to get tics. Tics can improve over time or they can stop completely. In some cases, they may just last a few minutes, but in most cases, they come and go over several years. If your tics are mild and not causing any other problems, then treatment is may not need. If your tics are severe, then your doctor will help you with proper treatment.

You can do some self–help tips, like avoiding stress or tiredness, so they can help you a lot. Also, they are medicines to help reduce tics. They can be used alongside psychological therapies or after trying these therapies unsuccessfully.

Symptoms of Tics

Tic disorders include different conditions, such as transient tic disorder, chronic motor or vocal tic disorder, and Tourette syndrome. Your doctor can diagnose the tic disorder as nonspecific if your symptoms do not fall exactly into one of these categories. Often, tics are confused with nervous behavior. Tics intensify during periods of stress [2]. Tics do not happen during sleep. Tics happen repeatedly. But, they do not usually have a rhythm. People, who have tics, may clench their fists, flare their nostrils, shrug their shoulders, or uncontrollably raise their eyebrows.

These are known as physical tics. In some cases, tics can cause you to make some noise (such as a moan or grunt), click your tongue, or clear your throat. Usually, tics are not serious and they do not damage the brain. If your tics are mild, you should not always see your doctor. Also, if tics are not causing you problems, you may avoid visiting your doctor. In some cases, they can disappear as quickly as they appear. If you are concerned about your or your child’s tics, or you want advice from your doctor, then talk with him or her.

If your tics happen very regularly or they become more frequent or severe, then talk with your doctor. If your tics cause you emotional or social problems, such as social isolation, bullying, or embarrassment, then talk with your doctor as soon as possible. If your tics are accompanied by self–harm, depression, or anger, then talk with a doctor.

Causes

It is not known what the cause for tic is. It is thought that tics are happening due to changes in the parts of the brain that control movement. Tics can run in families. They are likely to be a genetic cause in many cases. Also, they are often happening alongside other conditions, such as

In some people, tics can be triggered by taking illegal drugs, such as amphetamines and cocaine. Occasionally, they are caused by more serious health conditions, such as Huntington’s disease or cerebral palsy.

Types

There are different types of tics. Some tics are affecting body movement (also called motor tics). Others result in a sound (phonic or vocal tics). [1] Some examples of tics include:

  • Rehashing a sound or expression (in a slight number of cases, this may be something obscene or offensive)
  • Coughing, grunting, or sniffing
  • Touching other people or things
  • Clicking the fingers
  • Jerking or banging the head
  • Blinking, wrinkling the nose, or grimacing

Tics can happen randomly. They can be associated with something, such as happiness, stress, excitement, tiredness, and anxiety. Tics bear to get worse if they are talked about or focused on. Tics often start with an unpleasant sensation that builds in the body until relieved by the tic (it is known as an urge). But, sometimes they can be partly suppressed [5].

References:

[1] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Tourette syndrome fact sheet. 2021. Retrieved from www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tourette-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet

[2] Lin H, Katsovich L, Ghebremichael M, et al. Psychosocial stress predicts future symptom severities in children and adolescents with Tourette syndrome and/or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. 2007;48(2):157–66. doi:10.1111/j.1469-7610.2006.01687.x

[3] Brain & Behavior. Study finds obsessive-compulsive and tic disorders cluster in families. 2015. Retrieved from www.bbrfoundation.org/content/study-finds-obsessive-compulsive-and-tic-disorders-cluster-families

[4] Spencer TJ, Biederman J, Faraone S, et al. Impact of tic disorders on ADHD outcome across the life cycle: findings from a large group of adults with and without ADHD. The American Journal of Psychiatry. 2001;158(4):611-7. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.158.4.611.

[5] Washington University School of Medicine. Understanding how tics are suppressed may help some at risk for tic disorders: Identifying kids who control their tics may help others at risk for Tourette syndrome. Science Daily. 2019. Retrieved from  www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/06/190626133706.htm

Neem Mayur
Neem Mayur
Mayur Neem, a certified dietician having more than 5 years of experience in the field of diet practice. He is working as a diet expert and offering services to body builders, sports persons, celebrities, etc. He is lover of natural remedies and loves to spend most of his free time in his organic farm and offers expert advice on organic farming to local farmers. He is available through [email protected]

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