Tic Disorder / Syndrome in Children: Reasons, Symptoms & Treatment

Tics are sudden, rhythm less behaviors- either vocal or motor- that are generally painless. Interestingly, these actions are done by the patient often out of context. Tic is a common childhood health issue that subsides with age. However, in some cases,it persists and becomes more complicated as the patient grows up.

Symptoms-  Symptoms for motor and vocal tics may differ-

Motor Tics – 

• Patients may also show involuntary head jerks.
• Grimacing is a common symptom of motor tics in children.
• Blinking frequently is a characteristic symptom of tics syndrome.
  

  
  Vocal Tics –

• Frequent clearing of the throat.
• Barking or grunting regularly.
• Snorting or sniffing without any obvious reason.

What are the causes of tic disorder?

There is no one particular cause behind tic disorder. Generally, a lot of factors combine together to help the issue set in.
A lot of studies say that tic disorders are genetic. So, genetic mutation can very well be considered one of the causes, although rare.
If there are abnormalities in the brain of a child, he or she may suffer from tic syndrome. Such abnormalities may also make the child prone to other issues such as depression and attention deficit disorder.
A lot of studies have also claimed that neurotransmitters could be the reason behind tic in children. Neurotransmitters are those chemicals that cause the transmission of nerve signals to other cells in the body. Nevertheless, the role of neurotransmitters is not yet confirmed by any research.

Treatments-

Tic disorder can be treated with a holistic approach. A treatment strategy should first be devised by a multidisciplinary team of experts who work with the child, her parents and her teachers. The treatment may entail the following-

• Educating the family of the patient about the course of the disorder. But the education has to be imparted in a reassuring manner.
• Undertaking diagnostic exams to rule out other problems.
• To make sure the child learns well, collaboration with the school authority and staff may be set up to build a favourable learning environment for the child.
• Behavioural or cognitive behavioural therapies may be opted for.
• Prescription of medicines if needed.

Before it’s too late, take your child to some renowned pediatrician in Chandigarh for proper treatment. Tic shouldn’t be taken casually!