Tic - facial; Mimic spasm DefinitionA facial tic is a repeated spasm, often involving the eyes and muscles of the face. CausesTics most often occur in children, but may last into adulthood. Tics occur 3 to 4 times as often in boys as girls. Tics may affect as many as one quarter of all children at some time. The cause of tics is unknown, but stress appears to make tics worse. Short-lived tics (transient tic disorder) are common in childhood. A chronic motor tic disorder also exists. It may last for years. This form is very rare compared to the common short-lived childhood tic. Tourette syndrome is a separate condition in which tics are a major symptom. SymptomsTics may involve repeated, uncontrolled spasm-like muscle movements, such as:
Repeated throat clearing or grunting may also be present. Exams and TestsYour health care provider will usually diagnose a tic during a physical examination. No special tests are needed. In rare cases, an electroencephalogram (EEG) may be done to look for seizures, which can be the cause of tics. TreatmentShort-lived childhood tics are usually not treated. Calling the child's attention to a tic may make it worse or cause it to continue. A non-stressful environment can make tics occur less often, and help them go away more quickly. Stress reduction programs or cognitive behavioral intervention may also be helpful. If tics severely affect a person's life, medicines may help control them. Outlook (Prognosis)Simple childhood tics should go away on their own over a period of months. Chronic tics may continue for a longer period of time. Possible ComplicationsIn most cases, there are no complications. When to Contact a Medical ProfessionalMake an appointment with your provider if tics:
PreventionMany cases cannot be prevented. Reducing stress may be helpful. Sometimes, counseling can help your child learn how to cope with stress. ReferencesKim JW, Walter HJ, DeMaso DR. Motor disorders and habits. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 37. Tochen L, Singer HS. Tics and Tourette syndrome. In: Swaiman KF, Ashwal S, Ferriero DM, et al, eds. Swaiman's Pediatric Neurology: Principles and Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 98. | |
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Review Date: 3/31/2024 Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
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