Tics

A tic is an involuntary, repetitive movement of a specific group of muscles—usually those of the face, neck, shoulders, trunk, and hands. This sign typically occurs suddenly and intermittently. It may involve a single isolated movement—such as lip smacking, grimacing, blinking, sniffing, tongue thrusting, throat clearing, hitching up one shoulder, or protruding the chin—or a complex set of movements. Mild tics, such as twitching of an eyelid, are especially common. Tics differ from minor seizures in that tics aren’t associated with transient loss of consciousness or amnesia. (See Classifying tics.)

Tics are usually psychogenic and may be aggravated by stress or anxiety. Psychogenic tics typically begin between ages 5 and 10 as voluntary, coordinated, and purposeful actions that the child feels compelled to perform to decrease anxiety. Unless the tics are severe, the child may be unaware of them. The tics may subside as the child matures, or they may persist into adulthood. However, tics are also associated with one rare affliction—Tourette syndrome, which typically begins during childhood.

History and physical examination

Begin by asking the parents how long the child has had the tic and how often he experiences it. Can they identify any precipitating or exacerbating factors? Can the patient control the tics with conscious effort? Ask about stressors in the child’s life, such as difficult school work. Next, carefully observe the tic. Is it a purposeful or involuntary movement? Note whether it’s localized or generalized, and describe it in detail.

Medical causes

Tourette syndrome

This syndrome, which is thought to be largely a genetic disorder, typically begins between ages 2 and 15 with a tic that involves the face or neck. It may include both motor and vocal tics that may involve the muscles of the shoulders, arms, trunk, and legs. The tics may be associated with violent movements and outbursts of obscenities (coprolalia). The patient snorts, barks, and grunts and may emit explosive sounds, such as hissing, when he speaks. He may involuntarily repeat another person’s words (echolalia) or movements (echopraxia). Tourette syndrome sometimes subsides spontaneously or undergoes a prolonged remission, but it may persist throughout life.

Special considerations

Psychotherapy and administration of a tranquilizer may provide relief. Many patients with Tourette syndrome receive haloperidol, pimozide, or another antipsychotic to control tics. Help the patient identify and eliminate any avoidable stressors and learn positive ways to deal with anxiety. Offer emotional support to the patient and family.

Pictures

Book Source Details

• Book Title: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition)
• Author(s): Springhouse
• Year of Publication: 2006
• Copyright Details: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), Copyright © 2006 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Other Book Chapters Related to Eye twitching

Read excerpts from these other book chapters related to Eye twitching:

Copyright Details: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), Copyright © 2008 Williams & Wilkins.

More About Causes of Eye twitching

• Back to symptom: Eye twitching: Introduction (review 363 causes)
• Next Book Extract About Eye twitching: Seizures (The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)
• All Book Extracts: All Online Book Extracts for Eye twitching

More About This Book: Title: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition) Authors: Springhouse Publisher: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Copyright: 2006 ISBN: 1-58255-510-9

 » Next page: Seizures (The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)

Rate This Website

What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:

Website User Survey

Medical Tools & Articles:

Next articles:

• Seizures (The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)
• Red Eye (The 10-Minute Diagnosis Manual: Symptoms and Signs in the Time-Limited Encounter)
• Seizures (Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
• Eye Pain (Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)
• Red Eye (Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)

Tools & Services:

• Bookmark this page
• Take a survey relating to Eye twitching
• Symptom Search
• Symptom Checker
• Medical Dictionary
• Give your feedback

Medical Articles:

• Disease & Treatments Search
• Misdiagnosis Center
• Full list of interesting articles

Forums & Message Boards

• Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
• I cannot get a diagnosis. Please help.
• Tell us your medical story.
• Share your misdiagnosis story.
• What is the best treatment for my condition?
• See all the Boards.

Enter your search terms Submit search form
Search The Web Search wrongdiagnosis.com

Common Health Mistakes

Symptom
Checker

Search Specialists by State and City