The child has involuntary head twitching. Nervous tic in a child: how does it happen and how to treat it correctly? What are the causes of nervous tics in children?

Nervous tic– a type of hyperkinesis ( violent movements), which is a short-term, stereotyped, normally coordinated, but inappropriately performed movement of a certain muscle group, occurring suddenly and repeated many times. A nervous tic is characterized as an irresistible desire to perform a certain action, and although the child is aware of the very presence of a tic, he is unable to prevent its occurrence.

According to recent studies, up to 25% of children of primary school age suffer from nervous tics, and boys are affected three times more often than girls. Often this disease does not cause serious harm to the child’s health and goes away without a trace with age, so only 20% of children with nervous tics seek specialized medical help. However, in some cases, a nervous tic can have very pronounced manifestations, cause serious harm to the physical and psycho-emotional state of the child and manifest itself at an older age. In such cases, the help of a specialist doctor is necessary.

A nervous tic can be motor or vocal ( voice).

Motor tics are:

• blinking an eye/eyes;
• frowning forehead;
• grimacing;
• wrinkling of the nose;
• lip biting;
• twitching of the head, arm or leg.

• sniffling;
• coughing;
• snort;
• hiss.

• A nervous tic, unlike other types of obsessive movements, is either not recognized by the child or is recognized as a physiological need.
• When tics appear, the child himself may not notice them for a long time, without experiencing any discomfort, and the parents’ concern becomes the reason for going to the doctor.
• A nervous tic can be suppressed by the child’s willpower for a short time ( A couple of minutes). At the same time, nervous tension increases and soon the nervous tic resumes with greater force, and new tics may appear.
• A nervous tic can involve several muscle groups at once, giving it the appearance of a targeted, coordinated movement.
• Nervous tics only appear when you are awake. In a dream, the child does not show any signs of illness.
• Such famous personalities as Mozart and Napoleon suffered from nervous tics.

Innervation of facial muscles

Pyramidal and extrapyramidal systems

In addition to the precentral gyrus, motor zones are distinguished in other parts of the brain - in the frontal cortex, in the subcortical formations. The neurons of these zones are responsible for coordination of movements, stereotypic movements, maintaining muscle tone and are called the extrapyramidal system.

Each voluntary movement involves contraction of some muscle groups and simultaneous relaxation of others. However, a person does not think about which muscles need to be contracted and which ones to relax in order to make a certain movement - this happens automatically, thanks to the activity of the extrapyramidal system.

The pyramidal and extrapyramidal systems are inextricably linked with each other and with other areas of the brain. Recent studies have established that the occurrence of nervous tics is associated with increased activity of the extrapyramidal system.

Nerves innervating facial muscles

Each muscle receives motor nerve fibers from specific nerves. The facial muscles receive motor innervation primarily from the facial nerve ( n. Facialis) and also, partially, from the trigeminal nerve ( n. Trigeminus), which innervates the temporalis and masticatory muscles.

The area of ​​innervation of the facial nerve includes:

• forehead muscles;
• orbicularis orbitalis muscle;
• cheek muscles;
• nasal muscles;
• lip muscles;
• orbicularis oris muscle;
• zygomatic muscles;
• subcutaneous muscle of the neck;

Synapse

The transmission of nerve impulses occurs through certain chemicals - mediators. The mediator that regulates the transmission of nerve impulses to skeletal muscles is acetylcholine. Released from the end of the nerve cell, acetylcholine interacts with certain areas ( receptors) on a muscle cell, causing the transmission of a nerve impulse to the muscle.

Muscle structure

In addition to myofibrils, muscle cells contain mitochondria, which are a source of ATP ( adenosine triphosphate) - the energy required for muscle contraction, the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which is a complex of cisterns located in close proximity to the myofibrils, and deposits calcium necessary for muscle contraction. An important intracellular element is magnesium, which promotes the release of ATP energy and is involved in the process of muscle contraction.

The direct contractile apparatus of muscle fibers is the sarcomere - a complex consisting of contractile proteins - actin and myosin. These proteins have the form of threads located parallel to each other. The myosin protein has peculiar processes called myosin bridges. At rest, there is no direct contact between myosin and actin.

Muscle contraction

After the cessation of nerve impulses to the muscle cell, calcium from the cell is quickly transferred back to the sarcoplasmic cisterns. A decrease in intracellular calcium concentration leads to the detachment of myosin bridges from actin filaments and their return to their original position - the muscle relaxes.

Causes of nervous tics

• primary nervous tics;
• secondary nervous tics.

Primary nervous tics

Most often, the first manifestations of nervous tics occur in children aged 7 to 12 years, that is, during the period of psychomotor development, when the child’s nervous system is most vulnerable to all kinds of psychological and emotional overload. The appearance of tics before the age of 5 years suggests that the tic is a consequence of some other disease.

The causes of primary nervous tics are:

• Psycho-emotional shock. The most common cause of nervous tics in children. The occurrence of a tic can be triggered by acute psycho-emotional trauma ( fright, quarrel with parents), as well as a long-term unfavorable psychological situation in the family ( lack of attention to the child, excessive demands and strictness in upbringing).
• Tick ​​the first of September. In approximately 10% of children, a nervous tic debuts in the first days of attending school. This is due to a new environment, new acquaintances, certain rules and restrictions, which is a strong emotional shock for the child.
• Eating disorder. A lack of calcium and magnesium in the body, which are involved in muscle contraction, can cause muscle spasms, including tics.
• Abuse of psychostimulants. Tea, coffee, all kinds of energy drinks activate the central nervous system, causing it to work “for wear and tear”. With frequent consumption of such drinks, a process of nervous exhaustion occurs, which is manifested by increased irritability, emotional instability and, as a result, nervous tics.
• Overwork. Chronic lack of sleep, prolonged use of the computer, reading books in poor lighting lead to increased activity in various areas of the brain with the involvement of extrapyramidal systems and the development of nervous tics.
• Hereditary predisposition. Recent studies indicate that nervous tics are transmitted according to an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance ( if one of the parents has a defective gene, then he will manifest this disease, and the probability of its inheritance by the child is 50%). The presence of a genetic predisposition will not necessarily lead to the development of the disease, but the chance of developing a nervous tic in such children is greater than in children without a genetic predisposition.

• Local– one muscle/muscle group is involved, and this tic dominates throughout the entire period of the disease.
• Multiple– manifests itself in several muscle groups at the same time.
• Generalized (Tourette's syndrome) is a hereditary disease characterized by generalized motor tics of various muscle groups in combination with vocal tics.

• Transitory– lasting from 2 weeks to 1 year, after which it goes away without a trace. After a certain time, the tic may resume. Transient tics can be local or multiple, motor and vocal.
• Chronic– lasting more than 1 year. It can be either local or multiple. During the course of the disease, tics may disappear in some muscle groups and appear in others, but complete remission does not occur.

Secondary nervous tics

Factors contributing to the occurrence of nervous tics are:

• congenital diseases of the nervous system;
• traumatic brain injury, including congenital;
• encephalitis – an infectious and inflammatory disease of the brain;
• generalized infections – herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, streptococcus;
• intoxication with carbon monoxide, opiates;
• brain tumors;
• some medications - antipsychotics, antidepressants, anticonvulsants, central nervous system stimulants ( caffeine);
• trigeminal neuralgia - hypersensitivity of the facial skin, manifested by pain when any touch to the facial area;
• hereditary diseases - Huntington's chorea, torsion dystonia.

Changes in a child’s body with a nervous tic

Brain
Under the influence of the factors listed above, the activity of the extrapyramidal system of the brain increases, which leads to excessive formation of nerve impulses.

Nerve fibers
Excess nerve impulses are carried along the motor nerves to the skeletal muscles. In the area of ​​contact of nerve fibers with muscle cells, in the area of ​​synapses, an excessive release of the mediator acetylcholine occurs, which causes contractions of the innervated muscles.

Muscle fibers
As stated earlier, muscle contraction requires calcium and energy. With a nervous tic, frequent contractions of certain muscles are repeated for several hours or throughout the day. Energy ( ATP), used by the muscle during contraction, is consumed in large quantities, and its reserves do not always have time to be restored. This can lead to muscle weakness and muscle pain.

With a lack of calcium, a certain number of myosin bridges cannot connect to actin filaments, which causes muscle weakness and can cause muscle spasm ( prolonged, involuntary, often painful muscle contraction).

Psycho-emotional state of the child
Constant nervous tics, manifested by winking, grimacing, snoring and other ways, attract the attention of others to the child. Naturally, this leaves a serious imprint on the emotional state of the child - he begins to feel his defect ( although before that, perhaps, I did not attach any importance to it).

Some children, when in public places, for example, at school, try to suppress the manifestation of a nervous tic through an effort of will. This, as mentioned earlier, leads to an even greater increase in psycho-emotional stress, and as a result, nervous tics become more pronounced, and new tics may appear.

An interesting activity creates a zone of activity in the child’s brain, which drowns out pathological impulses emanating from the extrapyramidal zone, and the nervous tic disappears.

This effect is temporary, and after stopping the “distracting” activity, the nervous tic will resume.

Quick elimination of nervous eyelid tics

• Apply moderate pressure with your finger in the area of ​​the brow ridge ( the place of exit from the cranial cavity of the nerve innervating the skin of the upper eyelid) and hold for 10 seconds.
• Press with the same force in the area of ​​the inner and outer corners of the eye, holding for 10 seconds.
• Close both eyes tightly for 3 to 5 seconds. In this case, you need to tense your eyelids as much as possible. Repeat 3 times with an interval of 1 minute.

Geranium leaf compress

Treatment of nervous tics

• non-drug treatment methods;
• drug treatments;
• traditional methods of treatment.

Non-drug treatments

The main directions of non-drug treatment of nervous tics in children are:

• individual psychotherapy;
• creating a favorable environment in the family;
• organization of work and rest schedules;
• good sleep;
• good nutrition;
• elimination of nervous tension.

After a course of psychotherapy, children experience a significant improvement in their emotional background, normalization of sleep, and a decrease or disappearance of nervous tics.

Creating a favorable family environment
First of all, parents should understand that a nervous tic is not pampering, not the whims of a child, but a disease that requires appropriate treatment. If a child has a nervous tic, you should not scold him, demand that he control himself, say that he will be laughed at at school, and so on. The child is unable to cope with a nervous tic on his own, and the parents’ incorrect attitude only increases his internal psycho-emotional stress and aggravates the course of the disease.

How should parents behave if their child has a nervous tic?

• do not focus on the child’s nervous tics;
• treat the child as a healthy, normal person;
• If possible, protect the child from all kinds of stressful situations;
• maintain a calm, comfortable environment in the family;
• try to find out what problems the child has or had recently and help solve them;
• If necessary, contact a pediatric neurologist in a timely manner.

Organization of work and rest schedule
Improper time management leads to overwork, stress and nervous exhaustion in the child. With a nervous tic, it is extremely important to exclude these factors, for which it is recommended to follow certain rules regarding work and rest.

Particular attention should be paid to products containing calcium, since a lack of this element reduces the threshold for excitation of muscle cells and contributes to the manifestation of nervous tics.

Depending on age, the calcium requirement in children is as follows:

• from 4 to 8 years – 1000 mg ( 1 gram) calcium per day;
• from 9 to 18 years – 1300 mg ( 1.3 grams) calcium per day.

If a child has a nervous tic, the following should be excluded or limited:

• computer and video games, especially before bedtime;
• watching TV for a long time, more than 1 – 1.5 hours a day;
• reading books in inappropriate conditions - in transport, in poor lighting, lying down;
• listening to loud music, especially 2 hours before bedtime;
• tonic drinks - tea, coffee, especially after 18.00.

Drug treatment of nervous tics

Medicines prescribed for children with nervous tics

Traditional methods of treating nervous tics

Sedatives used for nervous tics in children

Other methods of treating nervous tics in children

• relaxing massage;
• electrosleep.

Electroson
This is a physical therapy method that uses weak, low-frequency electrical impulses. They penetrate the cranial cavity through the orbits and act on the central nervous system ( central nervous system), enhancing inhibition processes in the brain and causing the onset of sleep.

Effects of electrosleep:

• normalization of emotional state;
• calming effect;
• improving blood supply and nutrition to the brain;
• normalization of the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

The child should take off his outer clothing and lie down on the couch. A special mask is placed over the child’s eyes, through which an electric current is applied. The current frequency usually does not exceed 120 hertz, the current strength is 1 - 2 milliamps.

The procedure lasts from 60 to 90 minutes - during this time the child is in a state of drowsiness or sleep. To achieve a therapeutic effect, 10–12 sessions of electrosleep are usually prescribed.

Preventing recurrences of nervous tics

What should you do to avoid recurrence of a nervous tic?

• maintain a normal psycho-emotional environment in the family;
• provide adequate nutrition and sleep;
• teach the child the correct behavior under stress;
• do yoga, meditation;
• exercise regularly ( swimming, athletics);
• spend at least 1 hour in the fresh air every day;
• Ventilate your child's room before bedtime.

What can trigger a recurrence of a nervous tic?

• stress;
• overwork;
• chronic lack of sleep;
• tense psycho-emotional situation in the family;
• lack of calcium in the body;
• abuse of tonic drinks;
• watching TV for a long time;
• spending a lot of time at the computer;
• long video games.

Tics are stereotyped, repetitive movements. They usually first appear in children aged 3 to 5 years. Tics are characterized by a wave-like course: periods of exacerbations, which usually last about 1.5 months, are replaced by periods of remission.

Types of tics in children

Depending on the severity, tics can be local or widespread. Localized tics involve one region, such as the head. The most common local tic is blinking. Common tics include several regions. Frequently occurring common tics are jumping, arm or shoulder twitching.

Tics can be single or multiple. Individuals are characterized by one stereotypical movement, while multiples are characterized by a combination of them. Tics can replace each other over time. For example, blinking is replaced by nose behavior, then both tics occur simultaneously. Other regions of the body may also be involved.

In addition to motor ones, there are vocal tics. They are characterized by stereotypical pronunciation of any sounds (coughing, grunting, etc.). They can be combined with motor tics, or exist in isolation.

Causes of tics in children

Parents often associate the appearance of children's tics with stress and emotional turmoil. In fact, the cause of tics is a change in metabolism (dopamine and norepinephrine) in the subcortical structures of the brain. A person is born with such a predisposition, and it is often inherited.

Tics are not always caused by a stress factor. There is not always a relationship between the occurrence of tics and the stress experienced. A child can grow up in a prosperous and happy family, but one day, without any external reasons, due to the peculiarities of brain development, a mechanism turns on and clinical symptoms appear.

Often no additional examinations are required. In some cases, EMC neurologists perform an electroencephalogram in order to rule out epilepsy in a child. The prognosis for the course of the disease is favorable in most cases. In 80% of cases, tics go away on their own after adolescence and do not require treatment. They may appear only occasionally during periods of increased fatigue, tiredness and emotional stress.

Treatment of nervous tics in

According to international protocols, in most cases, tics are not treated with drug therapy. This is due to the frequency of their manifestation. Medications are prescribed only in cases where tics cause significant physical or psychological discomfort to the patient. For example, a child blinks so often that his eyes hurt. Or, for example, the grunting is so loud that it is difficult for others to be around, so the child has difficulty communicating. Vocal tics can significantly limit a child's social life and affect their self-esteem.

Any therapy for tics is symptomatic; it does not eliminate the cause of the disease. There are no completely safe drugs that have proven effectiveness in addressing the source of the problem. All of them have a number of side effects, so their use requires strict indications.

It is important to assess how much discomfort the tics are causing your child. Often, parents insist on prescribing drug therapy because they are worried that the child is experiencing inconvenience and difficulty communicating with peers. But for the child himself, tics are not a problem or an obstacle to successful socialization.

There are a number of drugs that have a certain effect on the course of the disease. But none of them have undergone serious clinical trials. Therefore, parents often come with complaints that at first the drug was effective, but during the next exacerbation of the disease there was no effect. This is due to the fact that the first stage of taking the drug often coincides with the period of remission, so parents have the impression of its effectiveness. Such drugs are not prescribed within the framework.

There are a number of diseases that are caused by streptococcal infection. The body begins to produce antibodies to streptococcus, which can affect subcortical structures. Therefore, if there are factors indicating a connection between childhood tics and streptococcal infection, a test is carried out for the presence of antibodies to streptococcus; if they are detected, antibacterial therapy is prescribed.

There is a non-drug method for correcting nervous tics in children - biofeedback therapy (biofeedback), when classes are conducted using a special computer program to influence the functional component of the brain. If biofeedback therapy is required, a neuropsychologist is involved in the management of the patient.

Every parent dreams of their child growing up healthy and happy. But no baby is immune from the disease. And if most mothers are prepared for viral infections or colds and cope with them successfully, then a nervous tic in a beloved child can frighten even very experienced parents. To help your child, restore his health and prevent complications, you need to have information about what causes nervous tics and how to behave in this situation.

What is pathology

Nervous tics can be described as arrhythmic, repetitive, sudden movements of certain parts of the body. In fact, this is a type of hyperkinesis, that is, involuntary muscle contractions. There are no obsessive movements during sleep; the child suffers from them only while awake. A nervous tic may not be recognized by children or may be perceived as a physiological need.

Psychologists say that it is possible to stop an obsessive tic, but this is tantamount to interrupting the act of sneezing, that is, it leads to significant internal discomfort.

Tics themselves do not cause significant discomfort to the baby; he may not even notice them. Concerned parents, having seen “abnormal” repetitive movements, most often perceive them as a bad habit and try to wean the child from it, constantly making comments or pulling back. This is also facilitated by the fact that several different muscle groups can be involved in the process at the same time, and this gives the pathology the appearance of purposeful and conscious movements.

Through an effort of will, the baby is able to suppress obsessive hyperkinesis for some time. But internal tension in such a situation grows, and after a certain time the tics return, and more pronounced.

A nervous tic is a type of hyperkinesis, involuntary muscle contractions.

According to researchers, about a quarter of all children of preschool, primary and secondary school age are susceptible to tics. This phenomenon is often observed at 3–4 years old and at 5–7 years old - at the stage of adaptation in preschool institutions and schools. Boys are affected approximately three times more often than girls. In most cases, tic hyperkinesis does not cause serious harm to health and disappears without a trace with age, so parents of only a small part of such children seek medical help. But sometimes tics are very pronounced, appear in late adolescence and cause significant harm to the psycho-emotional and physical state of the child.

In children under one year old, mothers often notice the so-called tremor (shaking) of the chin, limbs, lips, which is a physiological condition and goes away over time - by 3-4 months. If this does not happen and the trembling begins to be accompanied by stereotypical twitching, then we may be talking about congenital pathologies of the nervous system. Then urgent consultation with a specialist is required.

Up to two years of age, nervous tics appear extremely rarely, but if this phenomenon is present in an infant, then most likely the cause is a congenital disorder of the nervous system

The severity and duration of the disease is influenced by the age of the child at which it manifested. At the same time, the timing of the onset of the disease often indicates its cause:

• in children under three years of age, nervous tics indicate a serious neurological problem, usually congenital;
• From 3 to 10 years, children suffer from tics of a psychogenic nature, while at puberty, as a rule, regression of symptoms is observed.

Doctors say that tics are a borderline condition, so the phenomenon should be considered from the point of view of several specialists: a neurologist, pediatrician, psychologist and psychiatrist.

Video: tics in children

Classification of nervous tics in children

Nervous tics in children have various forms and manifestations. Even an experienced specialist is sometimes unable to quickly understand the situation. The classification of pathology is primarily based on the state of the child’s nervous system, that is, the presence or absence of organic brain damage. In this regard, hyperkinesis is divided into primary (idiopathic or functional) and secondary.

Nervous tics are said to be primary if they are the only manifestation of nervous disorders. This type of tics usually occurs after 5 years. When hyperkinesis appears before the age of five, it is necessary to consider the possibility that it is secondary, that is, against the background of another neurological disease.

Tics are motor (muscular, motor) and vocal (phonic, that is, vocal).

According to the strength of manifestations, primary tics are:

• single, or local, in which only one muscle or a whole group is involved in the process, but during the entire period of the disease it is precisely this obsessive movement that dominates;
• multiple (widespread), which appear simultaneously in different muscle groups.

Both phonic and motor hyperkinesis can be complex or simple.

Tics can be simple and complex, motor and vocal, sometimes combined

The generalized form is a collection of complex vocal and motor tics of a widespread nature. This complex symptom is manifested by a hereditary pathology - Tourette's syndrome.

Tics can vary in duration. In this regard, they distinguish:

• A transient (transient) form, which can last from 2 weeks to 1 year, and then disappears without a trace. After some time, the tics may return.
• Chronic, characterized by a duration of more than a year. In this case, hyperkinesis can be of a different nature, over time pass in one part of the body and begin in another.

Causes of pathology

Secondary and primary tic hyperkinesis have different provoking factors. But the development mechanism is always similar.

The basis is a deficiency of the dopaminergic system. The subcortical nuclei (basal ganglia) and frontal lobes, whose activity is regulated by the neurotransmitter dopamine, are involved in controlling voluntary movements and maintaining muscle tone. The lack of this substance causes an increase in the activity of the basal ganglia, which entails an excess of nerve impulses. The latter are carried out to the skeletal muscles. At the points of contact between muscle and nerve fibers, acetylcholine is released excessively and uncontrolled muscle contractions occur.

The appearance of tic hyperkinesis is based on a disruption of the normal functioning of the dopaminergic system

Various provoking factors can lead to primary tics:

• Strong psycho-emotional shocks. This is the most common cause of obsessive tics in children. The source can be either acute psychological trauma, for example, severe fear, or chronic stress: a dysfunctional family environment, insufficient parental attention, or, on the contrary, excessive control and demandingness on the part of older family members.

  An unfavorable family environment can provoke a nervous tic in a child.

• Adaptation period in kindergarten or school. This is the so-called “September 1 tick”. An unusual environment, new rules, a change in lifestyle and daily routine are always a significant shock for a child.

  Nervous shock when entering school can provoke a nervous tic in the baby

• Poor nutrition. A lack of magnesium and calcium in the body can lead to convulsive muscle activity, since these microelements are involved in the functioning of the muscular system. This point also includes a passion for psychostimulants. Energy drinks, strong tea or coffee lead to exhaustion of the nervous system, which can be expressed by emotional lability, irritability and nervous tics. Of course, teenage children suffer more often from such manifestations.
• Constant overwork due to chronic lack of sleep, heavy academic loads, prolonged work at the computer, frequent reading in a poorly lit room leads to disruption of the normal functioning of the extrapyramidal system and, as a consequence, to tic hyperkinesis.

  Heavy loads lead to chronic fatigue and can provoke the appearance of nervous tics

• Hereditary predisposition. If one of the parents suffered from tics, then the pathology will be transmitted to the child with a 50% probability.

  If a close relative of the child suffered from tics, then the baby may have the same problem with a 50% probability

Secondary tic hyperkinesis occurs against the background of existing pathologies of the nervous system. It can be:

• congenital and hereditary syndromes accompanied by disorders of the brain, for example, Tourette's syndrome or Huntington's chorea;
• traumatic brain injuries, congenital and acquired;
• brain neoplasia;
• encephalitis of various origins;
• infectious lesions - cytomegalovirus, streptococcal or herpes infection;
• poisoning with opiates, carbon dioxide;
• taking certain medications - anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, stimulants.

Tic hyperkinesis in childhood is often accompanied by nervous system disorders such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), cerebrasthenic syndrome, various phobias, anxiety disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Phobias in childhood may be accompanied by tic hyperkinesis

Symptoms

Typically, nervous tics first appear in children under 11 years of age and are expressed by blinking; in a third of cases, vocal tics are observed, both individually and in combination with motor ones. Phonic tics are initially manifested by sniffing or coughing or grunting. Usually, with tic hyperkinesis, the symptoms intensify and reach a maximum at 10–12 years, then the manifestations begin to decline. At the age of 17–18, half of all children with tics are completely freed from the pathology.

Manifestations of motor tics

Motor tics can be manifested by the following movements:

• frequent blinking of one or both eyes;
• closing your eyes;
• wrinkling of the forehead or nose;
• stretching or biting the lips, pulling them out with a tube;
• turning the head or shaking, nodding;
• twitching of a limb or head;
• bending fingers, clenching and unclenching fists.

All these movements can be combined with each other.

Motor tics can manifest as various grimaces

Signs of phonic hyperkinesis

Phonic tics manifest themselves as follows:

• sniffling or sniffling;
• slight coughing, clearing throat;
• hissing, groaning;
• snort;
• sobs, screams;
• grunt;
• squeals.

Complex tics

• active gestures;
• jumping;
• squats;
• tilting;
• obsessive touching of objects.

Phonic complex tics are manifested by repeated repetitions of certain words or syllables, phrases, in some cases even swear words. The child may also constantly hum a certain melody.

If complex motor and sound tic hyperkinesis are combined, then we are talking about a generalized form of pathology.

Diagnostics

A pediatric neurologist makes a diagnosis and provides therapy. It is to this specialist that the child should be taken if the following factors are present:

• obsessive movements have not gone away for more than a month;
• tics are very pronounced;
• have a multiple complex nature;
• hyperkinesis causes serious physical discomfort;
• the child has problems with social adaptation.

The doctor will ask the parents in detail about the onset of the disease, the main manifestations, whether relatives had tics, whether there have been stressful situations, what medications the baby is taking, whether there have been injuries or infections.

During the inspection, an assessment is made of:

• general development of the child’s nervous system and muscular system;
• motor and sensory functions;
• reflexes.

At an appointment with a neurologist, parents are interviewed and the child is thoroughly examined.

Additional examinations include:

• laboratory:
  • clinical blood test - allows you to identify the inflammatory process (high ESR, leukocytosis);
  • blood for biochemistry - helps to diagnose pathologies of internal organs that can cause brain damage and lead to hyperkinesis; pay attention to the level of cholesterol, glucose, bilirubin, various enzymes, uric acid and creatinine;
  • ionogram - determination of the level of magnesium and calcium in the blood serum;
  • examination of stool for helminth eggs;
• hardware:
  • EEG (electroencephalogram) - to determine the functional state of certain parts of the brain;
  • MRI - if there is a suspicion of traumatic injury to the brain or cerebral vessels.

An electroencephalogram makes it possible to assess the functional activity of individual areas of the brain

Consultation with other specialists is often required:

• a child psychiatrist or psychologist if the tic appeared for the first time after severe stress;
• infectious disease specialist - if there is a possibility of infectious brain damage;
• toxicologist - in case of poisoning with drugs or chemicals;
• oncologist - in case of suspected brain tumor;
• genetics - if relatives have tic hyperkinesis.

Treatment

Therapy for nervous tics may include different methods:

• lifestyle correction;
• psychological support;
• medicines;
• physiotherapy;
• folk remedies.

Non-drug methods

Non-drug methods are mainly used for the primary form of pathology or for secondary tics as part of complex treatment.

The goal of such therapy is to restore normal functioning of the central nervous system, metabolic processes, and normalize the child’s psycho-emotional balance. For this purpose, a course of individual psychocorrection is carried out, work with parents is aimed at creating a calm family environment.

Psychotherapy

A course of individual psychotherapy significantly improves the child’s emotional state, leads to normalization of sleep, elimination of anxiety and completely relieves tics or reduces their intensity.

Individual sessions with a psychologist or psychotherapist can completely free a child from tics

Work is also carried out with parents, who must understand that tics are not a bad habit or an indulgence, but a disease. Therefore, a child should not be scolded, punished or forced to control himself. The wrong attitude of parents towards the problem can greatly aggravate it.

Particular attention should be paid to the daily routine: the child should get enough rest and not overwork. Sleep must be of the correct duration, since it is at this time that the nervous system is restored.

Child nutrition

A properly formulated diet and diet is an integral part of the comprehensive treatment of tics. It is advisable to teach a child to eat at certain hours, but in no case should he be left hungry if he wants to eat ahead of time, or forced when it is time for lunch and there is no appetite.

The main rules of nutrition are regularity, balance and completeness, that is, food must contain the entire set of nutrients, vitamins and microelements necessary for the normal growth and development of a child.

It is especially necessary to ensure that the diet contains foods rich in calcium, because the lack of this element contributes to the appearance of tic hyperkinesis. Therefore, the menu must include:

• hard and processed cheese;
• milk, cottage cheese, sour cream;
• cabbage;
• black bread;
• dried fruits;
• black chocolate.

Dairy products as a source of calcium must be present in children's diets.

We must not forget about magnesium and glycine, which also play a significant role in neuromuscular transmission. Magnesium is found mainly in plant foods, and glycine in protein foods. The diet should contain foods containing these substances:

• leafy vegetables, beets;
• bran bread;
• cereals (especially buckwheat);
• sesame, nuts;
• dried apricots;
• red fish;
• eggs;
• turkey, rabbit, chicken breast, veal.

You should not offer strong tea and coffee to your child.

Drug therapy

If the doctor has come to the conclusion that psychotherapy, physiotherapy and decoctions of medicinal plants alone are not enough, then the child is prescribed medications, starting with the easiest ones in the minimum dosage. To combat primary and secondary tics, medications of different groups are used, mainly sedatives, antipsychotics, which improve metabolism and blood supply to the brain.

In the treatment of primary tics the following is used:

• sedatives:
  • Novo-passit, Glycine, Tenoten - relieve anxiety, improve sleep;
• nootropics:
  • Pantocalcin, Noofen, Phenibut - normalize cerebral circulation and metabolism, eliminate anxiety;
• complexes containing B vitamins, minerals:
  • Magne B6, Neuromultivit, Pentovit, calcium gluconate - optimize neuromuscular transmission, strengthen the body.

For complex tics, the drugs of choice are antipsychotics:

• Eglonyl;
• Tiapride;
• Risperidone;
• Pimozide;
• Fluphenazine.

These drugs are highly effective in the treatment of tics of various origins; they have anticonvulsant, analgesic, antihistamine, antiemetic, sedative, and antipsychotic effects. By blocking certain processes in the brain, antipsychotics normalize neuromuscular transmission and improve the emotional state of the child. The drugs have many side effects, so you should never prescribe them to a child yourself, or violate the regimen and duration of use.

Drugs from other groups that can be prescribed for the treatment of tics:

• antidepressants: Prozac, Anafranil, Clominal;
• tranquilizers: Atarax, Diazepam, Relanium, Sibazon, Seduxen.

Photo gallery: medications for the treatment of tics

Haloperidol is an antipsychotic drug of choice for complex nervous tics in children. Tenoten - a sedative for normalizing sleep and emotional background in children Magne B6 - a complex preparation containing magnesium and pyridoxine, reduces the excitability of neurons and inhibits neuromuscular transmission Novopassit is a herbal preparation with a calming and relaxing effect Atarax is an anxiolytic (tranquilizer) with pronounced sedative properties Glycine (aminoacetic acid) is a regulator of metabolic processes in the central nervous system Sonapax is an antipsychotic drug for normalizing the functioning of the nervous system. Calcium gluconate is necessary to replenish the level of calcium ions in the blood Pantocalcin is a nootropic drug used as part of complex therapy for extrapyramidal disorders

Physiotherapy

Properly selected physical therapy can significantly reduce the symptoms of the disease and improve the condition of the little patient.

Electrosleep therapy has a good effect: it calms, normalizes the emotional background, metabolism, improves blood supply and nutrition to the brain. As a rule, 10–12 sessions of 60–90 minutes are prescribed.

Electrosleep has a positive effect on metabolic processes in the brain

The following procedures also apply:

• applications with ozokerite (mountain wax) on the collar area;
• galvanization or iontophoresis with calcium, bromine;
• aerophytotherapy - inhalation of essential oils;
• hirudotherapy - the use of medicinal leeches;
• medicinal baths with motherwort and pine needles.

A special method of magnetic therapy is highly effective - transcranial brain stimulation, aimed at balancing the activity of all brain centers. This is a selective procedure that affects only the hyperactive areas of the brain.

Massage

A relaxing massage affects a child’s body in much the same way as physiotherapeutic procedures: it relieves tension, improves cerebral circulation, and normalizes muscle tone. A massage of the back, head, and legs is recommended. It is not recommended to massage areas prone to tics, so as not to create additional irritation and worsen the disease. The course of therapeutic massage should be at least 10 sessions.

Massage for hyperkinesis is aimed at relaxing muscles, improving tissue nutrition and blood supply to the brain

For infants, massage for the treatment and prevention of tics is prescribed from one and a half months. Procedures performed by a specialist normalize the functioning of the peripheral and central nervous systems. The duration of the session depends on the age of the child: up to 3 months, the procedure should last no more than 5–7 minutes, gradually it is increased to 20 minutes. During the massage, you need to observe the baby’s behavior: if he shows anxiety, the session is ended.

Stone therapy (massage with warm stones) is a method that is rarely used in childhood. It can be done from 7–8 years old. The benefits of the procedures are effective relaxation and general strengthening of the child’s body.

Video: Doctor Komarovsky about massage

Acupuncture

To normalize metabolism, improve brain nutrition, and stabilize the nervous system, a doctor may recommend acupuncture. The method consists of a reflex effect on biologically active points, due to which the balance of the nervous system is restored and emotional stress is relieved. Typically, reflexology is used in combination with herbal remedies that normalize neuromuscular transmission. Osteopathy

Osteopathy is widely used in the treatment of tic hyperkinesis. An osteopathic doctor acts not on the effect of the disease (muscles), but on the cause itself - through special techniques he helps restore cerebral circulation, reduce the activity of certain centers, and restore normal neuromuscular transmission.

Osteopathy is based on the healing effect of the doctor’s hands on problem areas, thanks to which metabolic processes are normalized and functional disorders are eliminated

Traditional methods

Decoctions and infusions of herbs with a sedative effect have a beneficial effect on the child’s nervous system and reduce the manifestations of tic hyperkinesis.

Infusion of motherwort herb:

1. Dry crushed raw materials (2 large spoons) pour boiling water (200 ml).
2. Leave for 2 hours.
3. Strain through cheesecloth and squeeze.
4. Store the product for 24 hours in a dark place at room temperature.
5. Give to the child half an hour before meals three times a day for a month:
   • from 7 years - 1 teaspoon;
   • from 14 years old - 1 dessert spoon.

Valerian root - infusion:

1. Grind the root of the plant, pour a tablespoon of the raw material with hot water (250 ml).
2. Soak for 10 minutes in a water bath.
3. Filter the cooled product through cheesecloth.
4. Store in a cool, dark place.
5. For a month, give the product to the child every day, half an hour after meals and before bedtime, 1 teaspoon (4 times in total).

Calming tea with chamomile and mint:

1. Mix 3 parts of chamomile flowers, 2 parts each of mint and lemon balm leaves.
2. Brew a large spoonful of the mixture with a glass of boiling water.
3. Leave for 40 minutes.
4. Strain and give the child 30–50 ml three times a day, half an hour after meals.

Hawthorn infusion:

1. Pour boiling water (250 ml) over dried fruits (1 tablespoon).
2. Leave for at least 2 hours, strain.
3. Give a child over 7 years old a tablespoon three times a day, half an hour before meals.
4. The duration of treatment should not exceed 3–4 weeks.

Geranium compress to eliminate tic:

1. Grind fresh leaves of homemade geranium and apply to the area affected by hyperkinesis.
2. Place gauze folded in several layers on top and wrap it in a soft cloth (scarf, handkerchief).
3. Leave the compress on for 60 minutes.
4. Wash the area where the compress is applied with warm water.
5. It is recommended to carry out such procedures 1–2 hours before bedtime for a week.

Photo gallery: herbs for treating nervous tics

Chamomile infusion has a stabilizing, anti-inflammatory and calming effect Valerian root relieves nervous tension Fresh geranium leaves can be used as compresses for tics Peppermint effectively calms the nervous system Hawthorn fruits have a pronounced sedative effect
Motherwort herb is a long-known effective sedative.

The author of these lines had to deal with the problem of increased nervousness of a child after moving from kindergarten to school. My daughter's sleep was disturbed, she became restless and whiny. A lifesaver in this situation was a phyto-pillow stuffed with dry mint, chamomile and motherwort, and essential lavender oil. A small herbal pillow was placed at the head of the bed for the whole night, and the oil was applied drop by drop to the pillowcase. A calm family environment combined with herbal medicine did its job: within a week, the child’s sleep became calmer, anxiety went away and his mood normalized.

Prognosis and consequences of pathology

Nervous tics do not pose a threat to the child’s life. If tic hyperkinesis is a consequence of organic brain damage, the primary disease may pose a danger.

The prognosis depends on the form of the disease: for local tics it is favorable in 90% of cases; for widespread tics, complete regression of symptoms is observed in half of the cases.

A predisposition to nervous tics can be inherited. If someone in the family suffered from this disease, then it is quite likely that the child will develop tics in the presence of provoking factors.

Tic hyperkinesis, especially in adolescence, significantly reduces the quality of life. The child may have problems with social adaptation and develop numerous complexes, which, in turn, further aggravates the course of the disease.

A child with nervous tics may have serious problems with social adaptation

The famous pediatrician Komarovsky claims that nervous tics, once they occur, most often go away without any intervention. To prevent the phenomenon from becoming chronic, it is necessary to provide the child with family support. There will always be a solution, and in each specific case it must be individual.

Psychologist's advice to parents:

• You cannot focus the child’s attention on the problem of nervous tics;
• always treat the baby as a full-fledged person;
• maintain a calm, cozy atmosphere at home;
• try to solve problems that arise that may cause stress in the child as quickly as possible;
• when hyperkinesis appears, you need to distract the child - by playing, drawing, dancing, any hobby - in order to create a zone of activity in his brain that can drown out the pathological impulses leading to tics;
• do not delay visiting a specialist.

Prevention of nervous tics

The main preventive measure is to avoid nervous tension, limit stress as much as possible and learn how to properly respond to it. It is important to provide the child with adequate rest, sleep, nutrition, encourage physical activity, sports, and daily walks in the fresh air.

It is necessary to minimize factors that can cause pathology:

• daily long TV watching;
• computer games and the habit of listening to loud music, especially before bed;
• reading in low light, lying down or in transport;
• stimulating drinks, especially in the evening;
• chronic lack of sleep.

Engaging in an interesting hobby contributes to psycho-emotional relief, so it’s worth helping your child find something he likes.

Hyperkinesis is a pathological phenomenon that consists of the brain sending erroneous commands to the muscular system. If uncontrolled movements are repeated frequently and become fast, they speak of a nervous tic. In a child, it may involve smacking, twitching eyes or shoulders, or coughing. Let's try to figure out why this disease occurs and whether there are effective ways to cure it.

What causes nervous tics in childhood?

It turns out that experts still do not have accurate information about the causes of the development of obsessive movements and body jerks. At the same time, scientists have come to almost a unanimous opinion about the influence of genetic and psychological factors. Intrauterine damage to brain structures can also cause a nervous tic in a child.

There is an opinion among experts that most often the disease is provoked by a combination of the following factors:

1. Hereditary predisposition. Often during the examination it turns out that relatives in the direct ascending line suffered from a similar problem.
2. Incorrect upbringing. The development of neurosis-like conditions is facilitated by the strictest control on the part of parents and an uncompromising approach to building family relationships, a lack of trusting communication and frequent conflicts, and a biased attitude towards the child.
3. Experienced stress or complex illness. Children tend to have increased anxiety. Frequent experiences and frustrations lead to the fact that the child’s brain goes into a mode of constant anticipation of danger, losing the ability to fully rest and recover even in sleep.

Babies under the age of one year often experience tremors, which may simultaneously cause slight twitching of the limbs, chin, and lips. Crying, colic, bathing, and cold can trigger tremors in a baby. Normally, this phenomenon goes away as they grow older, by 3-4 months. If this does not happen, and in addition to everything, the baby’s head begins to twitch noticeably, a consultation with a neurologist is urgently needed.

Classification and features of the disease

Symptoms and treatment of nervous tics in a child largely depend on the type of disease. The typology of the disease is based on several basic indicators. First of all, the etiology, i.e., the root causes, is taken into account. They are usually psychogenic or somatic in nature. Based on the duration of their course, nervous tics are classified as transient and chronic, and based on the degree of severity - complex (a complex of uncontrolled movements) and simple (elementary twitching). Hyperkinesis is also distinguished by the location of the muscles involved (limbs, facial expressions, vocal cords, eyes, etc.).

The most striking symptoms of the disease are:

• motor smacking;
• loud sniffing;
• tongue clicking;
• noisy and deep breathing;
• hissing and snorting;
• repeated utterance of curse words and individual words;
• coughing;
• frowning forehead;
• uncontrolled shoulder movements;
• antics;
• unnatural blinking;
• twitching of limbs or head;
• picking at folds in clothing.

Even to a non-specialist, the manifestation of a nervous tic in children will be obvious. Komarovsky O. E., a well-known pediatrician, notes that such manifestations, once occurring, can disappear without any intervention. It would be more correct to say that this is exactly what happens in most cases. To do this, it is important to provide the child with support from others, thanks to which it is possible to prevent the transformation of a pathological habit into a nervous tic. What should you do if your child still has this problem? There is always a solution, but it will be purely individual for each little patient.

Often a tic appears after suffering an infectious disease. Since nervous tics in most cases are a chronic disease, its symptoms may subside (for example, in the summer). Relapses in children occur in autumn and winter, which is explained by increased mental stress during school.

Complex manifestations

Obsessive movements that involve several muscle groups (legs, arms, back, abdomen, neck, limbs, face) are considered a complex form of nervous tic. At the same time, special attention should be paid to individual symptoms that appear for more than a month. First of all, we are talking about blinking. A nervous tic in a child begins precisely with uncontrolled movement of the eyelids. If the problem worsens, this symptom may eventually be joined by raising the shoulders, bending or turning the head, swinging the legs and arms. Jerking prevents the child from concentrating on any homework.

The next stage in the development of complications is the occurrence of coprolalia (pronouncing swear words), echolalia (repetition of the same words), palilalia (unintelligible rapid speech). It is important to note that the clinic becomes more complex from top to bottom. Thus, the problem usually begins with the innervation of the facial muscles, after which the tic seizes the arms, shoulders, and later the torso and lower limbs join.

One form of the disease is Tourette's syndrome. This pathology was first described in the century before last. It was mentioned as a disease of multiple tics, which, in addition to vocal and motor movements, is characterized by obsessive-compulsive neurosis due to attention deficit.

According to statistics, boys get sick ten times more often than girls. Traditionally, the seriousness of the problem is indicated by a slight nervous tic of the eye in a child aged 3-7 years. Next, body shudders are added to the blinking. In this case, one type of teak can be replaced by another. Coprolalia, echolalia or palilalia occurs at an older age. The peak of the disease is usually observed in patients 8-11 years of age.

The peculiarity of a complex form of a nervous tic in a child is that the patient’s consciousness is completely preserved, despite the inability to control his own movements. Jerking may cause muscle pain. This problem is especially relevant for children suffering from uncontrolled turns or tilting of the head. With such recurrent manifestations and symptoms of a nervous tic in a child, treatment takes place at home. Since during the period of exacerbation children lose not only the opportunity to learn, but also the ability to self-care, they will not be able to attend school.

In the normal course of the disease, by the age of 12-15 years the child reaches the final stage. The pathological process stops, the clinical picture stabilizes - only residual signs of the disease are observed. Regardless of the initial causes of the twitching eyelid or the corners of the mouth, shoulders, or head, patients have every chance of a complete cessation of tics.

What is the essence of treatment

Therapy is based on an integrated approach, taking into account the peculiarities of the functioning of the body and the nuances of the course of the disease. In the process of compiling an anamnesis, talking with parents, the neurologist finds out the most likely causes of the development of the disease and discusses options for adjusting the educational methodology. In the initial stages of the disease, the use of drugs is out of the question.

The duration and severity of the pathology is influenced by the age of the patient at which the disease began to develop. It also indirectly indicates the cause of the disease:

• In children under three years of age, a nervous tic is a sign of a more serious illness (brain tumor, schizophrenia, autism).
• At the age of 3 to 6 years - most often the problem is psychogenic in nature, regression occurs only in adolescence.

Consequently, a nervous tic in a 5-year-old child has a favorable prognosis; in the majority of cases, the problem goes away without a trace.

Therapy at home

To eliminate the described problem in childhood, it is important to remove provoking factors:

• Often, the severity of uncontrolled movements and twitching is minimized after correcting the education method.
• In addition, the daily routine is of great importance - the child should rest fully at night and sleep during the day. However, this does not mean introducing a complete ban on physical activity.
• The diet should also be reviewed: it is important to eliminate high-calorie sugar-containing foods that do not provide any benefit to the body.

If a child grows up in an unfavorable psychological microclimate, it is most likely impossible to do without the help of a child psychologist. Parents must understand that it is important for their baby to get rid of internal tension. This can only be achieved through established close contact with the child. Joint crafts, applications, cleaning the apartment, baking a pie, praise and affectionate communication - all this will help the little patient calm down and become more self-confident. It is especially useful to take evening walks (in the warm season) and take a bath with relaxing essential oils.

Professional medical approach

To establish the cause of a twitching eyelid or other part of the body, the child will have to be shown to several specialized specialists. A neurologist directly makes the diagnosis. As a rule, the disease can be determined after examination. Video recording of manifestations of a nervous tic in a child at home will be especially valuable, since during communication with a doctor the clinical picture may be blurry.

In addition to a neurologist, it is advisable to show the child to a psychologist. The specialist will evaluate his psycho-emotional background, ability to remember and control impulsive behavior. You may need to consult a psychotherapist, undergo a magnetic resonance imaging scan or an electroencephalogram.

Treatment of nervous tics in children in an unadvanced form is a course of correctional classes in a group or individually. The use of medications is resorted to only if all of the above methods turned out to be ineffective and did not give any significant results.

Medicines for nervous tics in children are prescribed by neurologists; self-medication is unacceptable. After the symptoms of the disease disappear, the drugs are used for a long time (at least 6 months), then the dosage is gradually reduced until complete withdrawal.

What medications are suitable for nervous tics?

Here is a list of drugs used to treat the disease:

• Neuroleptics. Representatives of this pharmacological group have a complex effect, relieving pain, preventing convulsions, and dulling the gag reflex. These drugs include Tiapride, Risperidone, Fluphenazine, Haloperidol, Pimozide.
• Antidepressants. These drugs are included in therapy in the presence of neuroses, depressive and obsessive states (Prozac, Clofranil, Anafranil, Clominal).
• Vitamin and mineral complexes. Used as aids to maintain general well-being. The most common are “Pentovit”, “Neuromultivit”, “Apitonus P”.

When prescribing drugs, the form of release is taken into account, which is of particular relevance when undergoing a long course of treatment.

Recipes from traditional healers

As an alternative means for the treatment of nervous tics, various herbal tinctures and decoctions are used. You can buy raw materials for home medicines at a pharmacy or collect them yourself. However, before giving folk remedies to children, it is necessary to consult a doctor in order to avoid unforeseen complications. Among the components that help in the treatment of nervous tics, it is worth noting herbs and roots:

• cucumbers;
• thyme;
• valerian;
• chicory;
• heather

The simplest recipe is mint and lemon balm tea. The preparation is simple: for 1 cup of boiling water you will need one teaspoon of each component. Infuse the drink for 10 minutes, then sweeten it slightly, strain and drink half a glass in the morning and evening.

Gymnastics and massage

Treatment of nervous tics in children is often complemented by massage and gymnastics. The effectiveness of this method of combating the disease depends to a large extent on the cause that provoked the disorder.

In any case, the essence of massage is to relax the most tense areas of the body by stroking, rubbing, kneading. Strong and sudden impacts are unacceptable, since they will only give the opposite effect, leading to muscle tone.

To improve blood supply to brain tissue, massage the collar area and cervical spine. An underwater massage shower does an excellent job of relieving tension.

In the treatment of children over 6 years of age, Strelnikova’s breathing exercises technique is often used. However, the selection of a therapeutic exercise complex that will change muscle tone and affect brain function is the prerogative of the doctor.

The desired effect is achieved due to the biological connection between nerve endings in the muscles and brain neurons - constant training of sections of this physiological chain can change existing behavioral programs. The load is built in such a way that not only individual muscles relax, but the entire body, including the spine, hip and shoulder joints.

How to deal with nervous tics in infants

For children under one year of age suffering from pathological tremor, massage is mandatory. The timeliness of the measures taken will help to avoid severe complications of the disease in the form of changes in intracranial pressure, hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia and stroke.

In order to prevent nervous tics in children, Komarovsky recommends using massage from the age of one and a half months. With its help, spasms are eliminated and the functioning of the central and peripheral nervous systems is normalized. However, it is preferable to contact specialists for massage, at least in the first sessions. The technique is not complicated, but it should be performed correctly, according to the instructions. A children's massage therapist will tell you which areas of the baby's body should be avoided.

The duration of the procedure depends on the age of the baby. For children under 3 months of age, the session lasts no more than 5 minutes. The duration of the session must be increased over time, but it should not exceed 20 minutes. Another important criterion is the child’s behavior. If the baby behaves restlessly, stop the massage.

In order to prevent the development of a nervous tic in a child, it is extremely important to provide a friendly and calm environment in the family, make appropriate adjustments to the diet, exclude any foods that can excite the nervous system (chocolate, black tea, sweets), limit watching TV and computer games.

The psychological aspect is especially important - all parents, without exception, need to remember this. Listen to your child’s opinion, do not give him difficult and overwhelming tasks, do not forget to praise him for good deeds and help around the house. Be more patient with your baby, take care of his development and upbringing, and don’t let the problem take its course.

Children aged 5-7 and 10-11 years are often susceptible to nervous tics. This phenomenon occurs due to psychological experiences. At the same time, a nervous tic can appear as a result of damage to the central nervous system, which happens with epidemic encephalitis.

In addition, inflammatory processes in this area can be the cause of facial tics. Tic-like movements can also cause magnesium deficiency in the body. To compensate for the deficiency of this microelement, you need to eat legumes - peas and beans, oatmeal and buckwheat.

It is the cause that needs to be eliminated, and therefore the method of treating tic depends on its nature. In particular, if it is caused by organic problems, these problems should be eliminated first. However, in any case, the treatment will be quite long, requiring observation by a neurologist and a lot of patience.

Stressful nervous tic in a child

It is more difficult to cure a stress nervous tic in a child. Most often, smart and emotional children, quite developed, suddenly begin to show signs of tics - trembling of the eyelids, lips, hands, etc.

However, this is not a disease, but a feature of the structure of the nervous system, inherent in impressionable children. Their nervous system is more tense than that of phlegmatic people. Such manifestations last quite a long time, but by adolescence they usually gradually disappear. And the calmer and friendlier the environment in the family, the less stress the child has, the faster the nervous tic will pass.

The child developed a nervous tic: what to do?

There is no need to think that you should just calm down and wait for the manifestation of a nervous tic to disappear, folding your arms. On the contrary, you need to identify all problems in relationships in the family, in kindergarten or at school, with friends. Then it is necessary to promptly stop the excessive load on the sensitive child.

Various long-term influences that traumatize his psyche should not be allowed. Excessive demands and strictness, lack of attention from parents, their warmth and expressions of love for the child, as well as lack of interest in his worries and concerns can easily upset mental balance.

For a receptive child, a friendly and calm atmosphere at home is extremely important. The same can be said about school problems, as well as the stress that studying requires, the fear of testing school knowledge and being judged by classmates. By identifying such moments in all contact areas of the child, you may be able to determine the real cause of stress. Then it will become much easier to fight him.

At the same time, the child should be helped to relieve internal and external stress. Sedatives and restoratives, baths, and massage will help with this.

It should be borne in mind that drugs that affect the nervous system also have side effects. Therefore, you need the help of a neurologist who will prescribe medications that are most suitable for your child. The help of a psychotherapist who has various special techniques and techniques will also be very useful.