Effective treatment of tics in children. What to do for parents with nervous tics in a child: causes, symptoms and treatment

- sudden repetitive movements that occur due to involuntary contraction of various muscle groups. Manifested by obsessive facial, motor and vocal actions: blinking, squinting, twitching the nose, mouth, shoulders, fingers, hands, turning the head, squatting, jumping, shuddering, coughing, noisy breathing, pronouncing sounds, words. Comprehensive diagnostics includes an examination by a neurologist, a consultation with a psychiatrist, and a psychodiagnostic examination. Treatment is based on adherence to the daily regimen, psychotherapy, psychocorrection, medication.

General information

Synonymous names for tics are tic hyperkinesis, nervous tics. The prevalence is 13% in boys, 11% in girls. Tics in children occur between the ages of 2 and 18. Peak periods are 3 years and 7-10 years, the epidemiological rate reaches 20%. The onset of the disease is least likely after the age of 15, the highest risk of development is observed in first-graders - the crisis of seven years and the beginning of schooling become provoking factors for "tics of the first of September". In boys, the disease is more severe and less amenable to therapy. In a significant part of patients, seasonal and daily exacerbations of symptoms are detected, hyperkinesias increase in evening time, autumn and winter.

Causes of tics in children

Hyperkinesis develops as a result of the complex effects of biological and external factors. From birth, a child has a certain predisposition (biological basis) to this pathology, which is realized under the influence of diseases, stress and other negative impacts. The causes of hyperkinesis in children can be divided into the following groups:

• Violations of intrauterine development. The result of hypoxia, infection, birth trauma is an imbalance of cortical-subcortical connections. When exposed to adverse factors, it manifests itself in ticks.
• Burdened heredity. The disease is transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner. Since boys get sick more often, a dependence on the sex of patients is expected.
• stressful situations. A provoking factor can be school maladjustment, increased study load, passion for computer games, family conflicts, divorce of parents, hospitalization. The incidence increases during age-related crises.
• Traumatic brain injury. Tics may be the long-term consequences of traumatic damage to the central nervous system. The most characteristic hyperkinesis of the motor type.
• Some diseases. Often, long-term illnesses with symptoms that include a motor component lead to the formation of tics. For example, after respiratory infections, coughing, sniffing, and throat sounds are observed.
• Psychoneurological pathologies. Tics develop in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cerebrosthenic syndrome, and anxiety disorders. Hyperkinesis debut against the background of exacerbations of the underlying disease.

Pathogenesis

The pathogenetic basis of tics continues to be explored. The central place is given to the functions of the basal ganglia. The main ones are the caudate nucleus, the pale ball, the subthalamic nucleus, the substantia nigra. Normally, they are in close interaction with frontal lobes cerebral cortex, limbic structures, visual tubercles and reticular formation. The connection between the subcortical nuclei and the frontal regions responsible for the control of actions is provided by the dopaminergic system. A decrease in the level of dopamine, disorders of neuronal transmission in the subcortical nuclei are manifested by a lack of active attention, insufficient self-regulation of motor acts, and a disorder in the arbitrariness of motor skills. The functioning of the dopaminergic system is impaired as a result of intrauterine damage to the central nervous system, hereditary changes in dopamine metabolism, stress, TBI.

Classification

Tics in children are classified based on several factors. According to the etiology, hyperkinesis is divided into primary (hereditary), secondary (organic) and cryptogenic (occurring in healthy children). According to the symptoms - local, widespread, vocal, generalized. Depending on the severity of the disease, single and serial tics, tic status are distinguished. In accordance with the International Classifier of Diseases, according to the nature of the course, they distinguish:

• Transient tics. They have the character of local and widespread hyperkinesis. Manifested as winks, facial twitches. Completely pass within a year.
• Chronic tics. Represented by motor hyperkinesis. They are divided into three subtypes: relapsing - exacerbations are replaced by complete regression or local single ticks during exercise; stationary - persistent hyperkinesis for 2-4 years; progredient - the absence of remissions, the formation of tic statuses.
• Tourette syndrome. Another name is combined vocal and multiple motor tics. The disease starts at childhood, the severity of symptoms decreases towards the end of adolescence. AT mild form tics continue in adults.

Symptoms of tics in children

Local (facial) tics are hyperkinesias that involve one muscle group. Among the manifestations in 69% of cases, rapid blinking is observed. Squinting, twitching of the shoulder, wings of the nose, corners of the mouth, head tilts are less common. Blinking is stable, periodically combined with other facial tics. The dystonic component (tonus) predominates in squeezing. A distinctive feature of facial tics is that they are practically not noticed by children, do not interfere with their daily activities. According to the severity of the clinical picture, local tics are more often single.

With widespread hyperkinesis, several muscle groups are covered by pathological movement: facial, muscles of the head and neck, shoulder girdle, upper limbs, abdomen, back. Usually, tics make their debut with blinking, later on, eye movement, mouth twitching, squinting, tilting and turning the head, and raising the shoulders join. The course and severity of symptoms are different - from single transient to chronic with the development of tic status in exacerbation. Children experience difficulties in performing tasks that require increased concentration, causing emotional stress (anxiety, fear). There are problems when writing, collecting small parts of the designer, and reading for a long time.

Simple vocal tics are often coughing, sniffling, noisy inhalations and exhalations. Squeals, whistles, pronunciation of simple high-pitched sounds - “a”, “u”, “ay” are less common. During periods of exacerbation of nervous tics, vocal symptoms may change, which is mistakenly regarded as a new debut. Example: the child coughed, no vocal symptoms were observed in remission, noisy breathing appeared later. Complex vocalisms occur in 6% of patients with Tourette's disease. They represent the involuntary pronunciation of individual words.

Voicing swear words is called coprolalia. Continuous repetition of whole words and fragments - echolalia. Vocalisms are manifested by single, serial and status ticks. They intensify with fatigue, after emotional and mental stress, negatively affect the social adaptation of the child - the pronunciation of words that do not correspond to the situation, swearing limits the activity in communication, prevents the establishment of new contacts. In severe cases, the patient is unable to attend school, public places.

In Tourette's disease, the clinical picture is determined by the age of the child. The disease debuts at the age of 3 to 7 years. Primarily arise facial tics, twitching of the shoulders. Hyperkinesis extends to the upper and lower limbs, there are turns and tilting of the head, extension / flexion of the hands, fingers, tonic contractions of the muscles of the back, abdomen, squats, bouncing. After 1-2 years vocalisms join. Rarely vocal tics precede motor. The peak of symptoms is observed from 8 to 11 years. Serial, status hyperkinesis develops. During exacerbations, children cannot go to school, they need help, household services. By the age of 12-15, the disease passes into a residual stage with local and widespread tics.

Complications

Severe forms of hyperkinesis lead to complications - serial tics, tic statuses, chronic progressive course. In children, disturbances of perception are formed, a decrease in the functions of voluntary attention, coordination of movements, and the development of motor skills are difficult. School failure develops - patients have difficulty mastering writing, they perceive new material poorly, and have problems with memorization. Lagging behind in studies is complemented by social maladjustment - muscle twitches, involuntary movements, vocalisms become the cause of ridicule, detachment of peers.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of tics in children is carried out by a group of specialists - a neurologist, psychiatrist, psychologist. The volume of diagnostic measures is determined individually at the first medical consultation. The data obtained are used for differential diagnosis, prognosis of the course of the disease, selection of the most effective methods of treatment. A comprehensive examination includes:

• Questioning, examination by a neurologist. The doctor clarifies the anamnesis (complications of pregnancy, childbirth, hereditary burden), asks about the onset of the disease, the increase, frequency, severity of symptoms, the presence of concomitant neurological pathologies. On examination, evaluates the general condition, motor functions, reflexes, sensitivity.
• An interview with a psychiatrist. The specialist focuses on mental development and psychological features child. Determines the connection of the debut of hyperkinesis with a stressful situation, excessive emotional stress, method of education, family conflicts.
• Psychodiagnostic research. The psychologist conducts a study of the emotional, personal and cognitive spheres of the child, using projective methods (drawing tests), questionnaires, tests for intelligence, attention, memory, thinking. The results suggest the course of the disease, identify provoking factors.
• Instrumental research. Additionally, a neurologist may prescribe EEG, MRI of the brain. Final data are necessary for the differential diagnosis.

Specialists differentiate tics with dyskinesias, stereotypes, compulsive actions. Features tic hyperkinesis: the child is able to repeat, partially control movements, symptoms rarely occur with arbitrary, purposeful action, their severity increases in the evening, with fatigue, fatigue, emotional stress. With the patient's enthusiasm, tics almost completely disappear.

Treatment of tics in children

Therapy of hyperkinesis is implemented within the framework of an integrated differential approach. The choice of treatment methods is determined by the form of the disease, the severity of symptoms, the age of the patient. The main objectives are to reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms, improve social adaptation child, adjust cognitive functions. The following methods are used:

• Compliance with the daily routine. Provides for the prevention of hunger, fatigue, mental and emotional exhaustion, physical and intellectual activity, following the schedule for eating, going to bed and waking up. Watching TV shows, computer games is reduced to a minimum.
• Family Psychotherapy. The cause of tics may be a chronic traumatic situation, parenting style. Psychotherapy sessions include an analysis of intra-family relationships, the development of a negative attitude towards tics. Participants are taught methods to help cope with the child's anxiety, tension, and problems.
• Individual, group psychotherapy. Alone with a psychotherapist, the patient talks about experiences, fears, attitudes towards the disease. Complexes are worked out by methods of cognitive-behavioral therapy, methods of relaxation, self-regulation are mastered, which allow partially controlling hyperkinesis. At group meetings, communication skills and conflict resolution are trained.
• Psychocorrection. aimed at the development of lagging cognitive functions. Exercises are performed to correct spatial perception, attention, memory, self-control. As a result, the child experiences fewer difficulties in schooling.
• Medical treatment. Medications are prescribed by a neurologist. Selection of funds, duration of treatment, dosage are determined individually. Basic therapy is based on the use of anti-anxiety drugs (anxiolytics, antidepressants) and drugs that reduce the severity of motor phenomena (antipsychotics). Additionally, nootropics, vascular drugs, vitamins are shown.
• Physiotherapy. Sessions have a calming effect, normalize the processes of excitation and inhibition in the nervous system, reduce the symptoms of the disease. Electrosleep, galvanization of segmental zones, therapeutic massage, electrophoresis of the collar zone, ozocerite applications on the neck-collar zone, aerophytotherapy, coniferous baths are used.
• BOS-therapy. The biofeedback method is represented by a set of procedures that allow the patient to feel and master the control of a certain physiological function. With hyperkinesis, the child receives information about the state of the muscles through a computer program, and in the process of training masters voluntary relaxation and contraction.

Forecast and prevention

The prognosis of tics is determined by the severity of the disease, the age of onset. A favorable outcome is more likely in children who fall ill at 6-8 years of age; with proper treatment, hyperkinesis disappears in 1 year. Early onset with the first symptoms at 3-6 years of age is typical for the course of pathology until the end of adolescence. Prevention consists in organizing the correct regimen, alternating rest and work, reducing the time of playing games on the computer, watching movies, TV shows. It is important to prevent situations of stress, treat somatic diseases in a timely manner, preventing the transition to a chronic form.

One of the problems of childhood is a nervous tic in a child.

Treatment of a neurological disorder requires understanding the causes of strange behavior, eliminating negative factors, psychological correction. Active participation of parents in the process of therapy increases the chances of recovery of the young patient.

Nervous tic in a child - symptoms and treatment, read on.

Doctors distinguish several types of neurological manifestations:

1. Vocal. The child periodically sniffs, grunts, sniffs, barks, sings certain sounds, syllables or repeats words, often devoid of meaning, coughs quietly or deliberately loudly.
2. Motor. There are specific movements in different parts of the body. The young patient blinks frequently, shrugs, and there is twitching of the cheeks. Some children strain the wings of the nose, make strange movements in the lips and nasolabial triangle, touch their faces for no reason, rub their ears.
3. Rituals. Parents periodically watch their son or daughter sway from side to side, walk in a circle.
4. generalized form. The condition develops against the background of acute stress, constant pressure on the psyche, prohibitions, excessive control by parents. Often, in young patients with a severe form of neuro-emotional disorders, doctors detect mental disorders and genetic diseases.

Classification by the duration of negative symptoms:

• Temporary or transitory. Symptoms appear for several days, weeks, less often - up to a year. Motor tics are complex or simple, movements are difficult to control, unpleasant symptoms often recur throughout the day.
• Chronic. Vocal "attacks", movements of various kinds persist for 12 months or longer. Symptoms of this group of tics are less common than transient ones. Often, over time, part of the manifestations disappears, one or two types negative signs remain for life.

Classification of ticks by reason of occurrence:

• Primary. Muscle spasms develop against the background of the transmission of electromagnetic impulses from the central nervous system. In most cases, the muscles of the arms, neck, torso, and facial area are involved. This group includes tics in the development of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, chronic (motor, vocal) and transient.
• Secondary. The cause of negative symptoms is muscle twitching against the background of certain pathologies: encephalitis, meningitis, schizophrenia, Huntington's disease. Differential Diagnosis: chorea, epilepsy attacks, eye diseases.

A nervous tic is mainly a childhood disease; in adults, the pathology is detected in the presence of other diseases of the central nervous system. Consider the features of treatment.

The course of ticks

Parents should know the features of a neurological disease:

• negative signs occur daily or several times a week for a different period;
• involuntary movements are weak or manifest in severe form interfering with the appearance among people;
• behavioral disorders are pronounced or subtle;
• throughout the day, the nature, frequency and severity of signs often change;
• the prognosis ranges from favorable (complete disappearance of the neurological disorder) to low efficacy of therapy.

Causes

A nervous tic in a child develops against the background of the action of several factors. Often the problem does not arise in one day: a rather long period is required to form a negative reaction of the body to stressful situations, constant prohibitions or permissiveness.

The main reason is psychological maladaptation.

In childhood, it is difficult to accept and comprehend changes in life or family composition that the child cannot deal with.

Frequent TV viewing, violent games, computer fascination have a negative effect on the unstable psyche.

Some children react sharply to negative situations: signs of a psycho-emotional disorder appear after a short period after severe stress.

Parents should be aware of the underlying causes of tics in childhood in order to reduce the risk of neurological disease.

genetic predisposition

Scientists have proven: vocal, motor tics, a tendency to carry out repetitive actions more often develops in children whose families have relatives suffering from such manifestations.

Boys negative symptoms manifests itself more severely, the percentage of patients is higher than among females.

With a hereditary form of the disease, deviations in behavior occur earlier than in parents.

Wrong upbringing

This factor is as critical for the development of neurological disorders as genetic predisposition.

An unfavorable situation in the family, lack of trust and understanding between adults and children, overprotection or formal attention to the emotional development of the child provokes a reaction in the form of tics.

Against the background of intra-family conflicts, the thoughts, feelings, needs of the little man are relegated to the background, the child suffers.

Another negative factor is the constant suppression of the physiological activity of the baby, pulling, shouting, a ban on studying the world around. The young researcher has nowhere to throw out his energy, he replaces outdoor games, the thirst for knowledge with tics and obsessive states.

severe stress

Divorce of parents, moving to a new home, death of a beloved grandmother or pet, severe punishment (adults locked the baby alone in a dark room), the birth of a brother / sister, conflict with classmates, shock from a dog attack or watching a scary movie.

The list of acute stressful situations can be continued for a long time.

Often, after a sharp outburst of emotions, children develop nervous twitching of the eyelids, vocal tics, a combination of several movements and certain rituals.

To restore peace of mind, the attention of parents, psychological assistance in the specialist's office, the creation of a calm, friendly atmosphere at home and in the children's team are required.

Nervous tic in children - symptoms

Parents should be alert for the following signs:

• frequent grimacing;
• blinking;
• ear touch;
• throwing hair back;
• grunt;
• twitching of the eyelids;
• imitation of the barking of a dog;
• repetition of the same words;
• sticking out the tongue from the mouth;
• licking lips;
• rocking back and forth;
• tension of the wings of the nose;
• walking in a circle;
• strange combinations of falls, jumps;
• coughing, snoring without other signs of a cold;
• shouting out swear words;
• shrug.

These symptoms indicate a neurological disorder with frequent repetition of actions, involuntary muscle contraction, inability to control movements and voice manifestations.

The more provocative factors, the more noticeable deviations from habitual behavior (hyperactivity, aggression or apathy, isolation), the sooner you need to hurry with the child for a consultation with a doctor.

Diagnostics

The occurrence of tics in children is a reason for a visit to a neurologist. A comprehensive examination of the young patient is being carried out.

Diagnostic steps:

• Conversation with parents and the child, clarification of the nature of tics, the frequency of occurrence of negative symptoms.
• It is important to understand at what age vocal, motor tics, or several forms of neurological signs first appeared. The doctor finds out whether the young patient performs certain rituals, whether the coordination of movements is preserved.
• An obligatory moment is to figure out how stable emotional condition Does the child have memory and attention impairments?
• It is important to control impulsive behavior to clarify the course of tics.
• After collecting data, the doctor will have to figure out which factors increase the frequency of neurological manifestations.
• A highly informative method is video filming of characteristic manifestations in a child at home. At a neurologist's appointment, children often become isolated, sometimes young patients manage to control tics, hide the true picture of the disease from the doctor.

In difficult cases, the neurologist prescribes:

• magnetic resonance imaging;
• electroencephalography.

Additionally, a visit with the child to a psychiatrist may be required. You should not refuse an in-depth examination: finding out the details of behavior and psycho-emotional state, the severity of a neurological disease facilitates the appointment of adequate therapy.

Treatment

How to treat a nervous tic in a child? The main rule is an integrated approach.

The main emphasis is on psychological assistance, normalization of family relations, attention to the needs of the young patient.

The participation of parents in the therapy program, understanding of the problem and responsibility for the psycho-emotional state of the child is obligatory.

Medications are prescribed only when the effectiveness of psychological correction is low.

Stages of treatment:

• Exclusion of negative factors provoking motor, vocal tics, other types of neurological disorders. Without fulfilling this condition, medications, visits to a psychologist do not give a positive result.
• Family psychotherapy. Kind words, joint games and activities, sincere attention to the little man, conversations, reading, walks normalize the psychological climate in the family, establish a trusting relationship between adults and children. It is important to understand what family situation gave impetus to the development of tics, with the participation of a psychologist, to try to change the situation or mitigate the unpleasant consequences of the changes.
• Psychological correction. Classes are held individually and in groups. After the sessions, the level of anxiety decreases, self-esteem increases, self-control, memory, and concentration improve. A useful activity is the development of the optimal type of behavior during a conflict situation, playing out everyday situations for a calmer reaction.
• Medical therapy. Medicines are prescribed by a neurologist only with a low result of psychological assistance. Basic therapy is antidepressants and drugs that reduce the frequency and strength of motor manifestations. For improvement cerebral circulation prescribe vascular drugs, nootropics, vitamin-mineral complexes. A young patient takes medication under the supervision of a neurologist. After the tics disappear drug treatment lasts up to six months, followed by a gradual withdrawal of drugs or a significant reduction in the daily dosage.

The causes and symptoms of a neurological disease, methods of treating a nervous tic in children, the result of therapy should worry parents no less than a doctor. Creating a pleasant psychological climate in the family is a prerequisite for normalizing the psycho-emotional state of the child.

Related video

Tics (hyperkinesis) are fast, repetitive involuntary arrhythmic movements, usually involving a specific muscle group. As a rule, they occur in children and occupy one of the leading places among diseases of the nervous system in childhood. About 20% of children under the age of 10 suffer from this pathology, and boys get sick more often and more severely than girls. There are critical age periods when the likelihood of tics increases significantly. This occurs at 3 years and 7-10 years.

Types of ticks

According to the prevalence of the process, tics are local (occurring in one area), multiple and generalized.

Allocate vocal and motor (motor) tics, which can be complex and simple.

Motor simple hyperkinesis:

• non-rhythmic violent movements of the head (in the form of twitches);
• involuntary blinking, squinting of eyes;
• shrug-type shoulder movements;
• tension of the abdominal muscles with its subsequent retraction.

Motor complex hyperkinesis:

• repetition of certain gestures (echopraxia);
• vulgar gestures;
• jumping in place;
• inflicting blows on parts of one's own body.

Simple vocal tics:

• snorting, grunting;
• whistling;
• cough.

Complex vocal tics:

• echolalia (repetition of words, phrases, sounds heard by the patient);
• coprolalia (uncontrollable shouting of obscene words).

Causes of the disease

Stress and overwork contribute to the occurrence of tics in a child during the maturation of the nervous system.

Nervous tics can be primary and secondary. Important role in the origin of primary tics, burdened heredity is assigned. Their development is based on disorders of the maturation of motor control systems, which is associated with dysfunction of the basal ganglia. Primary tics are divided into transient (transient) and chronic (the symptoms of which persist for more than a year).

Secondary tics also occur against the background of dysfunction of the basal ganglia, but there is a primary pathological condition which led to this, namely:

• head injury;
• damage to the nervous system during childbirth;
• taking certain medications (neuroleptics, psychostimulants);
• inflammatory diseases of the substance of the brain;
• pathology of the brain of a vascular nature.

A certain role in the manifestation of tics is played by stress, mental overload, and an unfavorable situation in the family.

Features of the course of tics in children

This disease in each child can proceed differently. It can suddenly appear at some period of a child's life and disappear just as quickly even without treatment. And it can last for years with severe symptoms and changes in behavioral responses. Children with tics often have irritability, anxiety, inability to concentrate, impaired coordination of movements, etc.

Symptoms of the disease are aggravated by excitement and weakened by distraction, concentration on certain activities. If the child is interested or playing, the tics usually disappear. Patients can suppress the tics for a short period of time by willpower, but subsequently they arise with increasing force. The severity of such involuntary movements may vary depending on the mood and psycho-emotional state of the child, the season and even the day. This pathology is characterized by stereotyping and the occurrence of manifestations of the disease in a certain area of ​​the body, but over time, the localization of tics may change.

Tourette syndrome

This is a disease of the nervous system, which is characterized by a combination of motor and vocal tics in a child. The onset of the disease occurs between the ages of 5 and 15 years. The first to appear are tics on the face, then the muscles of the neck, arms, legs, and torso are involved in the pathological process. This pathology has a chronic progressive course and reaches its maximum development in adolescence, then the severity of symptoms weakens. In some patients, tics disappear without a trace, and in some patients they persist for life.

Children with manifestations of Tourette's syndrome are characterized by absent-mindedness, restlessness, distractibility, increased vulnerability, and sometimes aggressiveness. Half of the patients in adolescence develop a syndrome of obsession, which is manifested by unreasonable fears, obsessive thoughts and actions. These phenomena occur against the will of the patient, and he is unable to suppress them.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is based on complaints of the patient or parents, medical history, neurological examination. Examination of the patient is recommended to rule out organic pathology. A general clinical examination, electroencephalography, computed tomography, MRI, psychiatric consultation, etc. are carried out.

Treatment

In most cases, the disease has a benign course and does not require special treatment. Children need to create a favorable psychological environment in the family, avoid mental and physical overload. A balanced diet is of particular importance and good sleep. Parents should not focus the attention of the child on the symptoms of the disease. Children with tics are advised to limit their use of the computer (especially computer games), listening to loud music, watching TV for a long time, reading books in low light and lying down.

The main therapeutic measures:

1. Psychotherapy (individual or group).
2. Physiotherapy.
3. Medical treatment:

• neuroleptics (eglonil, haloperidol);
• antidepressants (anafranil);
• nootropic drugs (noofen, phenibut, glycine);
• magnesium preparations (magne B6);
• vitamins.

Treatment with physical factors

Therapeutic massage helps the child to relax and reduces his excitability.

It helps to calm the child, normalize the work of his nervous system, reduces the manifestations of the disease.

The main physical treatments for children with tics are:

• (has a sedative effect, normalizes the emotional state of patients, improves blood supply to the brain tissue and metabolism; the duration of the procedure is about an hour, while the child is in a state of drowsiness, the course of treatment is 10-12 procedures);
• on the cervical-collar zone (has an indirect effect on the nervous system, reduces general excitability);
• (increases the body's resistance to stressful influences, improves mood and the functioning of the nervous system; session duration is 20-30 minutes, 10-12 such sessions are recommended);
• (calm, relax, improve sleep; you need to take such baths every other day).

Conclusion

The appearance of tics in a child is a reason for careful medical examination, as tics may be the initial manifestation of a more serious illness. The prognosis for recovery in most patients is favorable. However, in some patients, the disease does not completely regress. There is an opinion that with an early onset of the disease (especially at the age of 3 years), it has a more severe and prolonged course.

Neurologist Nikolai Zavadenko talks about nervous tics in children:

TV channel "Belarus 1", program "Children's Doctor", episode on the topic "Tics in children":

Nervous tic- a phenomenon that occurs repeatedly in children and adults. Everyone has experienced it at least once in their life. With strong nervous excitement, twitching of the eyebrow or eyelid is most often manifested. In children between the ages of two and ten years, this type of tic is most common.

Nervous tic- this is a spontaneous contraction of the muscles of the face, it resembles ordinary movements, it differs only in that a person cannot control them.

Types of nervous tics andsymptoms

There are several playback mechanisms nervous tick:

• Motor- unintentional contraction of muscles in the face and throughout the body: twitching of the shoulder and fingers, as well as grinding of the teeth.
• Vocal- the reproduction of sounds (grunting, smacking, grunting, and others) occurs completely uncontrollably.
• Local ticks- spontaneous movement of only one muscle group.
• Generalized- the movement of several groups.
• Simple nervous tics- like all of the above
• Complex- pulling hair, winding them around fingers.

Types of ticks

Primary nervous tics

As a rule, the source is:

• Psychological trauma received in childhood strong pain or fear). It can develop over a long period of time, as well as become chronic, for example, when a child quarrels with adults on a daily basis and he is very lacking in parental attention. The child's psyche is fragile, as a result of which the reaction to stressful situations can be expressed by nervous tics.
• ADHD(Attention Deficit Hyperresponsiveness Syndrome), or childhood neurosis, usually expressed in obsessive movements.
• Phobias stimulating stress.
• Exhaustion of the body and nervous system.
• Constant exhaustion and fatigue.

As a rule, primary nervous tics go away on their own. For the most part, they do not even require medical intervention.

Secondary nervous tics

Their main difference is that deliverance without medical intervention is impossible.

Among the causes are:

• Poisons affecting the brain.
• Taking medications (psychotropic, anticonvulsant and others).
• Tumors and diseases of the brain (infectious).
• Mental illness (such as schizophrenia).
• Defeat and damage to internal organs, leading to metabolic disorders in the blood and the content of toxins (arteriosclerosis, stroke).

For example, after treating a sore throat, many people strain the muscles of the pharynx too much when taking water or food. This is due to the fact that during the illness these actions were special, to prevent pain effects, but after they were established in the body as a constant movement.

Hereditary tics or Tourette's disease

Finally, the doctors did not establish the cause of this disease, one thing is known - it is inherited. If one parent suffers from this pathology, then the chance of its transmission to the future generation is 50 to 50%. It develops in childhood, while the symptoms weaken during adulthood.

Among the causes of the course of the disease are:

• Lack of vitamin B6;
• A large amount of stress;
• Bad ecology;
• autoimmune processes.

Doctors have put forward a hypothesis that a streptococcal infection can cause Tourette's disease. There is no evidence yet, but this hypothesis cannot be ruled out.

Treatment of nervous tics in children

Nervous tic- a consequence of a false message from the brain to various parts of the body. In children it can be called psychological trauma and is called - primary tick.

Among the symptoms:

• Scattered attention;
• Anxiety;
• Feeling of fear;
• various types of neuroses.

As a rule, all this happens against the background of ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. After the treatment course, you will be able to observe:

• Restored nervous system, thanks to nutrients and improved blood circulation;
• and improvement of mental and physical condition organism.

Medical treatment

The use of integral medicine in this matter occupies a leading place, since the impact on the source of the disease contributes not only to getting rid of symptoms, to improving the human body as a whole and preventing such cases in the near future.

As a rule, doctors prescribe such medicines as phenibut, glycine, magnesium B6, pantogam, tenoten, novo-passit other. A specialist will help you about the need for drug treatment, the dosage of drugs.

Folk remedies

Any treatment should be carried out after consulting a doctor. In the event that medical intervention is not required, nervous tics in children can be treated with folk remedies. Particularly popular are

• Calming fees. They can be purchased at the pharmacy and brewed at home. You can study the method of application and dosage in the instructions. As a rule, such fees include: chamomile, anise seeds.
• Aromatic pads. These pillows are placed next to the sleeping child. To fill the pillows use the same chamomile, lavender, rosehip. You can make collections of herbs and flowers.

IMPORTANT! The child may experience an allergic reaction to any drug or component of the collection. It is important to stop treatment in a timely manner and consult a doctor!

Definition of a tick, how it manifests itself

under the term " nervous tick” means lightning-fast contractions of individual muscle groups: blinking, movements of the nose, corner of the mouth, shoulders, and the entire body.

By their nature, they are extremely reminiscent of protective reflexes, with the aim of removing the mote from the eye, throwing off the restrictive belt, throwing up a strand of hair falling on the forehead. But the pace of movement in children during nervous tics somewhat different from the latter. Reactions are carried out too hastily, convulsively, their usual rhythm is lost. Several movements in a row, rapidly completed, are replaced by a pause and then resumed with renewed vigor.

Often tics that have arisen in any one part of the musculature are replaced by tics in another. In some cases children emit various sounds with the nose and mouth simultaneously with tic twitches.

Withdrawal from tics is usually accompanied by feelings of intense anxiety and even sadness. Resuming them immediately discharges the stressed state.

Majority children, who suffer nervous tic- subjects of a very peculiar type, extremely hyperaesthetic to the irritations of their body, easily fixated on their sensations, dependent, extremely indecisive in their reactions, affectively unstable, in the word "infantile".

Possible causes of tics in children

As for the etiopathogenesis of ticks, the following assumptions can be made here.

• First, for the occurrence of a tick, it usually takes some kind of irritation of the area that is affected by the latter.
• A child who has had blepharitis or conjunctivitis for some time after the end of the disease retains a blinking tick, which was once a protective function.
• A child who has experienced inconvenience from hair falling on his forehead retains the "habit" of throwing his hair back from his forehead, and this movement takes on the character of swiftness. Clothing that constrains the child will cause tics in the shoulders and so on.

In a word, a tick is a movement that has lost its purpose, but once served as a defense. child from an unpleasant irritant. One gets the impression that in those vulnerable, hyperaesthetic children, the initial irritation left behind a strong engram.

IMPORTANT! The fact that the tick is an automated movement strongly suggests that it is realized in the subcortical region.

Being, therefore, in a very large number of cases due to the initial irritation of some area of ​​the body, the tic can later serve as an expression protecting the child from unpleasant mental experiences. The latter gives rise to a state of tension that cannot be resolved in ordinary acts and verbal reactions due to the indecisiveness and ambivalence of the sick child. Instead, discharge is carried out in a motor act - tic.

If, along with this, a sick child, with his usually already low activity, is subjected to constant inhibition by the surrounding persons, then as a result, they can especially easily arise or linger on long time tic movements.

Useful video

About the imperfection of the nervous system, about nervous tics in children and the doctor will tell the treatment Komarovsky and Dr. Pogach.

Results

Course and forecast nervous tics in children fluctuate in connection with his personality, suffering from him, the psychogenic experiences of the latter and the degree of organization of his environment.

• Excellent results are given by psychotherapeutic conversations that reveal the personality of the child and the complexes that feed his illness.
• Along the way, a lot of work should be done with the people around the child, with the goal of reducing the inhibition of the child by his parents and educators.
• In the process of treatment, a stage is inevitable, during which, along with a decrease in tics, the child reveals aggression against others that had never taken place before, thereby becoming temporarily extremely “difficult” in the family.
• Prevention is reduced to educational activities (minimal inhibition of the child's activity) and to the timely resolution of his conflict experiences.
• It is important to see a doctor when taking medication for tics in children.

Photo and video: free Internet sources

Violent movements, called tics, are a type of hyperkinesis. The appearance of a nervous tic in a child can alarm many parents. Involuntary mimic contractions or twitches of arms, legs and shoulders cause real panic in suspicious mothers. Others do not pay due attention to the problem for a long time, considering this phenomenon to be temporary.

In fact, in order to understand whether a nervous tic in children goes away on its own or requires treatment, you need to know the causes of its occurrence, as well as determine the type. Only on the basis of this can one understand the need for medical intervention.

Varieties

Nervous tics in children, depending on the causes of occurrence, are divided into 2 types: primary and secondary. By type of manifestation, they are motor and vocal. The first type is familiar to many people firsthand.

These include normally coordinated, short-term, repeatedly repeated actions:

• extension or flexion of the fingers;
• frowning or raising the eyebrows;
• grimacing, wrinkling of the nose;
• movement of arms, legs, head or shoulders;
• twitching or biting the lips;
• twitching or blinking of the eyes;
• expansion of the nostrils or twitching of the cheeks.

The most common are various facial tics, especially eye movements. Motor hyperkinesis of large parts of the body occurs much less frequently, although they are immediately noticeable, as are vivid voice actions. Involuntary mild vocal manifestations go unnoticed for a long time. Parents consider them pampering and scold children, not understanding the reason for inappropriately made sounds.

• snorting, hissing;
• sniffing, sniffling;
• rhythmic coughing;
• various repetitive sounds.

In addition to division on the basis of manifestation and the primacy of the causes of occurrence, nervous tics have two more classifications:

1. According to the severity - local, multiple, generalized.
2. By duration - transient, up to 1 year, and chronic.

The degree of manifestation and duration often depend on the manifestation factors. The causes of occurrence are different, and some of them threaten the life of the child.

Causes

Adults do not always pay due attention to the appearance of a tick in a child, attributing its occurrence to fatigue or excessive emotionality. This may be true only for mild primary hyperkinesis.

Primary tics are often caused by seemingly minor situations and do not always need medical attention. The causes of secondary hyperkinesis are very serious and require an urgent response.

Primary ticks

Tics of this type are not associated with other diseases and occur due to specific psychological or physiological factors. They directly indicate a disorder of the nervous system and in some cases can be eliminated without specific treatment.

Psychological

Often, parents can notice the appearance of a tick in a child at 3 years old. With a high degree of probability, its appearance at this age indicates the primacy of the disease. Children are experiencing a psychological crisis of independence called "I myself!", Which puts a strain on the psyche. It is age-related crises in children that are often provocateurs of tics.

Parents take note! Maximum frequent occurrence a tic in a child of 7-8 years old falls on September 1. New responsibilities and acquaintances can overload the fragile psyche of first-graders, causing subsequent tic hyperkinesis. Schoolchildren moving into the 5th grade are exposed to similar stress, which contributes to the appearance of primary tics in children 10-11 years old.

In addition to the crises of growing up, there are other psychological reasons:

1. Emotional shock - fear, quarrel, death of loved ones or a pet.
2. Features of education - excessive severity of parents, excessive demands.
3. Psychological situation - attention deficit, conflicts at home, in kindergarten or school.

Physiological

At the heart of the appearance of such causes there is a direct connection with the biochemical processes in the body. Some of them can also be easily eliminated without treatment. medical care. Others cannot be eliminated without the simultaneous creation of a favorable psychological environment in the family and environment. This species includes a hereditary predisposition associated with the transfer of genes responsible for the increased activity of the extrapyramidal system.

Attention! The presence of hyperkinesis in one or both parents increases the likelihood of their occurrence in a child by 50%. It is important for such children to ensure proper nutrition and peace in the family. It is also desirable to observe the daily routine and minimize stressful situations.

Other physiological factors may also have an illusory hereditary influence. These are family habits that negatively affect the psyche of the child. They are associated with lifestyle, nutrition, drinking regimen and poor hygiene.

Hyperkinesis can occur for the following reasons:

1. The presence of helminths.
2. Deficiency in diet of calcium and magnesium.
3. An excess of psychostimulating drinks - tea, coffee, energy drinks.
4. Incorrect daily routine and lack of sleep.
5. Insufficient level of lighting in the evening.
6. Physical overwork or prolonged stress from computer games.

Secondary tics

Not all parents know what to do if a child has a nervous tic, they attribute all types of hyperkinesis to nerves and are unaware of possible consequences. In the case of secondary tics, neglect can be dangerous. They develop under the influence various diseases nervous system or aggressive influence on it.

They can pass on their own only in 2 cases - if they arose under the influence of medications or as a result of minor carbon monoxide intoxication. In other cases, it is required to eliminate the original disease, although sometimes this is not possible.

The reasons for the appearance may be:

1. Herpes, cytomegalovirus.
2. Trigeminal neuralgia.
3. Congenital or received traumatic brain injury.
4. Encephalitis and streptococcal infections.
5. Acquired and genetic diseases of the nervous system.

In primary and secondary nervous tics, the symptoms are quite similar. Therefore, it is difficult to suspect serious diseases without other concomitant manifestations or a specific diagnosis.

Symptoms

Any attentive parent will notice the signs of a nervous tic. Muscle twitching in the area of ​​increased innervation or a constantly emitted sound, especially appearing when the child is agitated, are the only symptoms.

Interesting! If a child simply blinks his eyes often, then this does not always mean that he has motor hyperkinesis. The tic always repeats at regular intervals, it has a specific rhythm. Simple blinking is irregular, but can be excessively frequent due to eye fatigue or too dry indoor air.

The combination of visual and vocal manifestations, as well as multiple motor hyperkinesis, require more attention from parents. With such symptoms, it is better to visit a neurologist and undergo additional diagnostics. The presence of local or multiple tics in combination with high temperature or lethargy of the child require urgent medical attention.

Diagnostics

A single occurrence of short-term hyperkinesis should not be ignored, but should not cause panic among parents. For an additional examination, you need to consult a doctor if the child has multiple hyperkinesias or local tics that regularly appear throughout the month.

The doctor will evaluate sensory and motor functions, check for hyperreflexia. Parents should be prepared to answer questions about recent traumatic experiences, the child's diet, medications, and daily routine. Based on the results of the examination, it is possible to prescribe such tests and examinations:

1. General blood analysis;
2. Analyzes for helminths;
3. Tomography;
4. Ionography;
5. encephalography;
6. Consultation with a psychologist.

Even before going to the doctor, parents can learn how to treat a nervous tic in a child. Timely started non-drug treatment in some cases allows you to do without medical help.

Treatment

It is often enough to eliminate the factors that cause them to treat primary tics. In addition, physiological and folk methods contributing quick recovery nervous system. Secondary hyperkinesias require specialized treatment or cannot be eliminated at all.

Folk ways

Actual folk remedies will be various sedative infusions and decoctions. They can be used instead of drinking or given separately.

Can be used:

• chamomile tea;
• drink from hawthorn fruits;
• infusion of anise seeds;
• decoction of meadowsweet with honey;
• collection with valerian, motherwort or mint.

If a child is calm about herbal teas, then it is better to replace all stimulating drinks with them, offering to quench their thirst with decoctions or natural lemonade with honey and mint. The exclusion of ordinary tea and coffee in combination with sedative infusions can quickly reduce the load on the nervous system.

Worth knowing! Timely treatment with folk remedies for psychological tics can be very effective. Hyperkinesis due to malnutrition or secondary tics cannot be overcome with sedative preparations and other folk methods.

You can also apply 1-2 times a day warm compress from fresh geranium leaves. They need to be crushed and applied to the place of increased innervation for one hour, covered with a scarf or scarf. This method should not be used for more than 7 days.

Alternative treatment

Unusual treatments or special Chinese techniques may seem ineffective only at first glance. Relaxing procedures aimed at calming the nervous system are acceptable to relieve stress.

These include:

• massage;
• acupuncture;
• electrosleep;
• aromatherapy;
• water treatments.

A visit to the bathhouse, swimming in the pool and a relaxing massage can relieve tension in and of themselves. Electrosleep and aromatherapy not only have a calming effect, but also subsequently contribute to an increase in resistance to nervous strain.

Nervous eye tic can be eliminated acupressure. You need to find a small hole on the superciliary arch, located closer to the center and press it with your finger, holding it for 10 seconds. After that, repeat the procedure at the outer and outer edge of the eye, pressing on the orbit, and not on the soft tissues.

Medical

Treatment with the use of drugs is associated with the causes of occurrence. Secondary tics are treated only after overcoming the disease that caused them or together with it, and primary ones according to the examination.

The list of medicines is wide (only a doctor can prescribe):

• sedatives - Novopassit, Tenoten;
• antipsychotropic - Sonapax, Haloperidol;
• nootropic - Piracetam, Phenibut, Cinnarizine;
• tranquilizers - Diazepam, Sibazol, Seduxen;
• mineral preparations - Calcium glucanate, Calcium D3.

It sometimes takes a long time to cure a nervous tic in a child. It is much easier to provide prophylaxis in advance, this is especially true for primary tics.

Prevention

The most effective measures to prevent nervous tics in children are healthy relationships in the family, proper nutrition, adherence to the daily routine and adequate exercise.

It is worth spending more time outdoors, be sure to play sports and teach the child to splash out properly. negative emotions and reduce the amount of time spent playing video games. Timely treatment of helminthic invasions also helps to prevent the appearance of nervous tics.

It is important to remember that frequent blinking of the eyes can be a nervous tic and requires a timely response. Eye hyperkinesias in children are very common and in most cases are easily eliminated immediately after the onset.

Parents should be aware of age-related crises and educate their children in the right attitude to changing circumstances. Multiple or prolonged tics, especially in combination with other symptoms, require additional examination and should not be ignored.

Quite often, parents notice that the baby's upper or lower eyelid twitches. Sometimes it happens to one baby's eye, and sometimes it happens to the other. Do not rush to make hasty conclusions, for example, "the child has a nervous tic, because he blinks his eyes a lot."

Symptoms pathology The child has

You need to carefully observe the situation, and understand when these symptoms appear. The tick in this case will really be blinking, but one that attracts attention with the following symptoms:

• fast, paired, or "cluster", that is, blinking in portions. Instead of one time, paired or even group blinking occurs;

• if blinking periodically turns into squinting;

• if there is an extraordinary blinking of one eye, and the second does not blink;

• if, along with the usual, “next” blinking, there are any contractions of the muscles of the face, shoulders, for example, stretching the lips with a tube or turning the head.

In the latter case, the child's nervous tic (blinking) is evident and a neurologist should be consulted, as this condition may be the onset of a generalized tic, or Tourette's disease.

About the causes of a nervous tic in a child

Almost always, these fast movements (they are also called hyperkinesis) do not indicate damage to the eye and lacrimal apparatus, but show that there are some disorders in the nervous system. Moreover, if a tick captures both eyes, then this process can proceed more favorably, and its treatment will be more successful than a tick in one eye. The fact is that in this case the normal mechanism of the friendly work of the eyelids is not disconnected, and in the case of an asymmetric lesion, the separation is obvious.

Eye and lacrimal gland

Much less often, hyperkinesis can be accompanied by lacrimation, conjunctivitis, and swelling of the eyelids. In this case, the baby must first be shown to a pediatric ophthalmologist or pediatrician.

Common causes of tic development include functional weakness of the nervous system, previous diseases, especially SARS. In the event that they were accompanied by conjunctivitis or blepharitis, then such a tic may be in the nature of residual effects, and the baby should be shown to a pediatric neurologist only after the symptoms do not go away within a month, and be observed by an ophthalmologist.

Blepharitis - inflammation of the edges of the eyelids

A nervous tic in a child 2 years old and earlier may be associated with blockage of the nasolacrimal canal. Usually this condition is clarified when the baby is up to 3-4 months old, but sometimes the blockage is recurrent, and then there is a discharge of pus and the absence of a tear in the eye that blinks.

Do not exclude such a factor as heredity. Remember if you had something similar in childhood, or your parents.

In addition, the child's emotional and physical overwork can also cause a tic. This is observed in preschool and primary school age, when the burden on the child's shoulders is such that it is sometimes difficult for an adult to maintain such a regimen. After all, sometimes a first-grader after 5 lessons goes to study English, then to the sports section, then to the art studio, and by the evening he is so exhausted that it is simply impossible to systematically observe such a regimen.

A nervous tic in a child (eye blinking) can also develop as a result of his excessive attachment to the computer. It often happens that blinking from overwork simply turns into a habit, or an obsessive state that is difficult to get rid of.

Control the time spent by the child at the computer

If all of the above is not suitable as reasons, then you need to remember the history of the baby's development: did he have a perinatal injury of the central nervous system during childbirth, or a violation of the development of the nervous system (he began to hold his head late, roll over, crawl). If this is present, then you should immediately contact a pediatric neurologist.

Metabolic nature: sometimes similar contractions of the eyelids and fasciculations of other muscle bundles can be observed with a lack of potassium, calcium, B vitamins, since these vitamins are responsible for the formation of a normal impulse.

Another cause of tics can be a high level of tension in family relationships, scandals, constant fear cultivated in the child by the behavior of the parents, for example, the father's drunkenness and his attitude towards the mother.

About treatment

How to treat a nervous tic of the eye in a child at home? First of all, it is necessary not to voice your knowledge about nervous tics and your guesses to the child, so that an inferiority complex does not develop in him. It is necessary to change the mode, follow the sleep and rest, which should be mobile, in the fresh air. It is necessary to limit the time of communication with the computer to 2 hours a day.

You should take vitamin and mineral children's complexes, multivitamin preparations. Glycine works well, which improves the processes of inhibition in the central nervous system.

Children's vitamins

And, only if Taken measures proved to be ineffective, you need to contact a pediatric neurologist.

Involuntary twitching of the muscles of the eye in children is usually neurological in nature. Nervous tic is expressed in frequent blinking, squinting, wide opening of the eyes. A feature of tics is the inability to control movements, since they are not amenable to volitional control. What to do if a child has symptoms of a nervous tic of the eyes?

What is a nervous tic eye

The nervous tic of the eye is a stereotyped movement that occurs suddenly and is repeated many times. Even if you draw the attention of the child to his peculiarity, he will not be able to prevent the appearance of movements. On the contrary, if the parents want to force the child to stop blinking, the tic increases and manifests itself with greater force.

Experts cite research data, according to which this problem is often found in children. Up to 30% of children of different ages suffer from manifestations of nervous obsessive movements. Boys are subject to a neurotic reaction three times more often. Usually this phenomenon appears during the period of getting used to the conditions of a kindergarten, school, or after a strong fright. Often, a nervous tic of the eye passes without a trace, but in a chronic form, you should consult a doctor. It happens that a tick is pronounced and causes unpleasant emotional experiences to a child or teenager.

Reasons for the appearance

The nervous tic of the eye in children is divided into:

• primary;
• secondary.

The primary tic appears as a result of a disorder of the nervous system. Secondary tics are formed as a result of past illnesses CNS. Eye twitching usually begins between the ages of five and twelve. It is during this period that children are most vulnerable to emotional overload. The main causes of tic eye:

1. Severe emotional trauma. It can be fear, a conflict situation in the family, experienced violence. Children can accumulate internal tension due to authoritarian upbringing, overwhelming demands, formal attitudes of adults without affection. The internal negativity comes out of the child along with the tic, so the children get rid of the neurotic disorder.
2. fatigue, lack physical activity. They don’t walk much with children, they wrap him up and protect him in every possible way, not allowing him to develop naturally and splash out excitability as a result of physical activity.
3. Heredity. According to research, nervous tics are transmitted from close relatives. If one of the parents had tics as a child, then the chance of inheritance is 50%.

The influence of parenting

Experts note that some aspects of parenting call for a nervous tic of the eye in children. What distinguishes these parents?

1. Parents have hypersocialized character traits. This is excessive categorical judgments, increased adherence to principles, unjustified persistence. Parents often make a career, their attitude towards their son or daughter is dry, with a lot of moral moralizing. At the same time, there is no warm and lively communication.
2. Anxiety of one of the parents. Such a person tries to foresee everything, worries over trifles, regulates the life of the child, controls his activity and protects him from imaginary dangers. Manifestations of a nervous tic of the eye in this case - the child cannot be himself.

Frequent restrictions and prohibitions cause unbearable inner tension. As a rule, a nervous tic of the eye in children is psychomotor discharges of psychological tension that cannot be expressed externally.

An example from the practice of a psychotherapist A.I. Zakharova

Boy B. 5 years old afraid of strangers, timid, has recently become unassembled, lethargic. Tics appeared - frequent blinking and swelling of the cheeks. The mother had an anxious character, wrapped the baby up, took care of him. From the age of eight months, the child often began to get sick. At the age of 4, he underwent an operation, and it was difficult for him to endure the absence of his mother in the hospital. It was at this time that the first signs of an eye tick appeared.

The situation was complicated by the beginning of attending a kindergarten. The boy was afraid of the teacher, assignments, other children. For a child, this burden has become an unbearable burden. The tics got worse. Parents regarded it as antics, pulled up, often shouted.

How to treat

The initial diagnosis of nervous tics is carried out by a pediatric neuropathologist, then, if necessary, other specialists are involved in the treatment. Usually, a doctor is consulted when the nervous tic of the eye is severe, causes physical and emotional discomfort, does not go away within one month, and is accompanied by other symptoms.

What is included in the treatment?

1. Normalization of the mental state of the child. For this, psychotherapy is used, including work with both the child and the parents. To improve the condition, it is important to create a favorable family microclimate, organize a rest regime and include leisure physical activity.
2. If necessary, medical treatment is used. It includes sedatives, as well as drugs that improve metabolic processes brain.
3. Relaxing massage. A special technique relieves emotional stress, improves blood circulation in the muscles and brain. For a child suffering from a nervous tic of the eyes, a relaxing massage of the face, head, and back is recommended.

Prevention of tics

Children are highly sensitive to overvoltage, as the nervous system has not yet formed and is characterized by immaturity. To prevent nervous tics in a child, you should follow the rules:

• ensuring regular physical activity;
• avoiding stress and conflict situations in family;
• regular walks for at least an hour at any time of the year.

It is advisable to avoid watching TV with criminal news, parents should keep track of what their child is watching and what their child is interested in. It is useful to learn to talk to the child, avoiding control and value judgments.

Involuntary twitching of small muscles near the eye can be observed in every person. A minor tic is usually not noticed, but it also happens that this problem does not go away for several days or recurs periodically. This ailment cannot be left without attention, since it can be caused by both simple psycho-emotional overloads and serious malfunctions in the functioning of the central nervous system.

Why does a nervous tic most often occur in the eye

Involuntary contraction of small muscles can be observed in almost any part of the human body, but still, most often they bother in the area around the eyes.

This is attributed to the anatomical features near the orbital region:

• A large number of nerve endings and muscles on the skin of the face;
• The weakest muscles are in the near orbital zone;
• The face of a person is directly related to the expression of basic emotions.

Nervous tics affect both adults and children. If this disease is permanent and interferes with a normal lifestyle, then you need to see a doctor to find out the causes and ways to fix the problem.

To some extent, a nervous tic can be a symptom of VSD and osteochondrosis, since nearby nerve endings are involved in this process.

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Causes of the nervous tic of the eye

Cause involuntary muscle twitching under the eye several factors may, the main ones are:

• Banal eye fatigue associated with working on a computer, reading books with small print.
• Violation of the nervous system. These causes can be caused by trauma, atherosclerosis, meningitis.
• A nervous tic in children develops after a birth injury, strangulation during childbirth.
• Mental disorders - depression, neurosis.
• Deficiency in the body of the main groups of trace elements.
• Drug therapy with drugs of some pharmaceutical groups.
• hereditary predisposition. Nervous ticks in different areas of the body can be recorded in blood relatives. Moreover, in some family members this can be expressed by twitching of the muscles of the eye, in others by committing obsessive movements.
• In children or adults with an unstable psyche, a strong fright can provoke a nervous tic of the eye. In childhood, helminths can also become the cause of ticks.

Some doctors associate the appearance of a tick near the eye with impaired liver function - the nerve endings of the organ are associated with this particular area on the face.

Symptoms

Signs of a nervous tic of the eye are especially noticeable to others. Muscle twitching begins unexpectedly for a person, at the initial stage they can be suppressed by an effort of will, but in the end they will still appear after a short period of time.

For some people, a tic occurs at the time of the greatest physical or psycho-emotional stress, for others, on the contrary, during the rest.

It often happens that close attention of people around can provoke an attack, which is especially typical in childhood.

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In children

Nervous eye tic in a child in most cases occurs at preschool age, doctors attribute this to the fact that at this age the child’s psyche is being formed and any psycho-emotional trauma can negatively affect the state of the nervous system.

A feature of the course of a nervous tic in children is that the child himself does not pay attention to his condition, may consider this the norm, and if parents or others do not focus on this fact and begin to wonder how to stop a nervous tic, then the baby does not feel vulnerable.

During pregnancy

A nervous tic during pregnancy is also not uncommon, since the expectant mother is still worried about her situation. They are characterized by slight nervousness, which is associated with anxiety about the safe bearing of the child.

To remove the nervous tic of the eye, mothers need to try to calm down, relax more and walk in the fresh air.

Nervous tic of the eye can last from a few seconds, minutes and up to several days. The duration of the attack depends on the state of the nervous system, taking the drugs recommended by the doctor and using his recommendations will significantly reduce the time of involuntary twitches.

The disease does not affect other systems of the body, does not reduce a person's working capacity and intellectual potential, but can significantly reduce self-esteem due to the negative attitude of others.

This happens especially often in adolescence, when the formation of personality and character trait largely depends on the opinions of peers.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis is made on the basis of visual determination of muscle twitches. Since a nervous tic can signal disorders in other body systems, it is necessary to conduct a comprehensive examination.

The main research methods include encephalography of the brain, ultrasound of internal organs, and especially the liver, detailed blood tests with the determination of trace elements. In children with tics, it is recommended to take tests for helminths.

Based on the data of the tests performed, the doctor prescribes treatment. In most cases, the elimination of the underlying cause leads to a decrease or complete disappearance of muscle twitches.

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Treatment of a nervous tic of the eye

People suffering from this problem very often ask themselves the question: “How to cure a nervous tic of the eye as soon as possible?”

Therapy of the disease consists of the use of drugs, special exercises and home treatments. Only a combination of these methods will allow a sick person to reduce the symptoms of the disease or completely get rid of it.

Medical therapy

the most important drug group drugs in the treatment of nervous tics are sedatives, that is, sedatives. Therapy must begin with the lightest medicines, it is best if they are herbal remedies - motherwort, valerian.

The course use of magnesium and calcium preparations is shown, it is these microelements that affect the transmission of nerve impulses.

When treating a disease, it is better to give preference to natural remedies rather than pills or medicines.

When treating children the stabilization of relations in the family comes to the fore - a calm atmosphere, goodwill, and the absence of stress help to minimize the manifestations of a nervous tic.

Parents and others need to learn not to focus on this disease, then the baby will not take it seriously. Nervous tic that occurred before school age usually resolves by adolescence.

In severe cases of nervous eye tic in adults, the doctor may prescribe injections of Botox, a drug that gives muscles elasticity, thereby reducing the visibility of nerve contractions.

Treatment with folk methods

Herbs with a calming effect allow a person to relax, fully rest at night, which is important success in the elimination of manifestations of the disease.

For nervous tics associated with eye fatigue, apply compresses from tea, bay leaf, decoctions of anti-inflammatory plants.

A cold compress applied to the disturbing area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe face will help reduce nervous twitches. Compresses change as the cold water warms up.

Helps relieve stress honey compress made from melted honey. Swabs soaked in the product are applied to the area around the eyes and left for several minutes.

If you have a tic of the eye, it is advisable to take a bath with sea salt or relaxing essential oils. Warm water and a calm atmosphere will relieve unnecessary tension, and a cup of soothing tea will enhance the effect.

Used folk remedies for the treatment of nervous twitches are aimed at stabilizing the psycho-emotional background and at removing external manifestations illness.

Disease prevention

A nervous tic of the eye, having appeared once, can return again at any, the most unnecessary moment.

To prevent this situation, you need to learn how to control your emotions, harden the body, eat right.

It will help to prevent the onset of the disease and proper relaxation, that is, relaxation of the whole body and the use of the smell of essential oils with a calming effect.

Nutrition

A person with an unstable nervous system and a tendency to develop a nervous tic needs to learn how to choose the right foods that can fill the body with essential trace elements. Foods containing magnesium and calcium should be included in the diet:

• Nuts.
• Berries - blackcurrant, cherry, blueberry, watermelon.
• It is useful to strengthen the nervous system to eat fish and seafood.

It is necessary to reduce the consumption of products such as carbonated drinks, alcohol, coffee.

Relaxation

Anyone can master the technique of relaxation, that is, relaxation and disconnection of emotions from the events taking place around them, if desired. There are various relaxation techniques in the teachings of yogis, you can also get a charge of calmness during a daily massage.

Calm music and the smell of essential oils will help you relax.

A person is able to disconnect from problems and when connected with nature. Therefore, daily walks in a beautiful park, around lakes and next to rivers should become a normal option.

For children, long trips through forests or mountains are just as useful as for adults. They are not only distracted from problems, but also increase their immunity, sleep better, which only has a positive effect on the state of the nervous system.

Essential oils

The use of essential oils in air lamps or just for inhalation helps to relax the nervous system.

The main thing is to choose suitable remedy, since not all smells can positively affect the stabilization of the psycho-emotional background.

Relaxing essential oils:

• Basil - helps to get rid of anxiety and depression, relieves mental stress.
• Benzoin - has a relaxing effect.
• Geranium - relieves anxiety, restores peace of mind.
• Ylang - ylang - a stabilizer of the main emotions of a person, has a sedative effect.
• Lavender - has a relaxing and calming effect.

The use of oils should be started with a few drops, each person may have an intolerance to a particular smell, so a trial application will help prevent unnecessary symptoms.

Nervous tic of the eye is a problem that a person of any age can face. But, as it turned out, the problem can be dealt with quite easily. This will help the right treatment and preventive measures.

Video about the problem of a nervous tic: