Tics in Children (Tics) Muscle Twitching Condition... Similar to Epilepsy

Tics Disorder is an involuntary muscle movement or muscle twitching. The symptoms occur suddenly, last for a short time, happen quickly, and disappear quickly. They can recur, but the symptoms usually have no pattern, are not rhythmic, and are irregular, unlike epilepsy. The twitching spots also change and are not the same each time. This disorder does not harm the brain or a child’s learning ability but may cause annoyance or affect appearance. Children over 10 years old may feel the onset of twitching themselves, such as itching in the twitching area. In older children, adults can suggest ways to temporarily suppress the symptoms.

What causes Tics Disorder?

1. 1. Genetics, such as having family members or relatives with a history of tics disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which may cause the child to develop these symptoms.
   2. Abnormalities in brain circuits related to muscle control in movement. If that part of the brain malfunctions, it can cause tics symptoms.
   3. Infection with Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, causing sore throat inflammation, and the bacteria entering the brain area, leading the immune system to react with the muscle control area.
   4. Unclear causes, but it may be due to stress or excessive excitement, which can trigger tics symptoms.

How to recognize tics symptoms in children?

1. 1. Blinking, shrugging shoulders, shaking the neck, twitching arms and legs (in children with mild symptoms).
   2. In some cases with increased severity, there may be complex muscle movements, such as jumping for no reason, hitting oneself, picking the nose, sticking out the tongue, or pinching the nose.
   3. Abnormal vocalizations, throat clearing, sometimes repeating words, or using swear words, etc.

Recommendations for caring for children with tics disorder

1. 1. Medication can only help relieve symptoms. The symptoms usually come and go or lessen but cannot be completely cured. However, the disorder is not dangerous. Sometimes when a child has tics, caregivers are advised not to point it out, forbid the child from doing it, or make the child feel anxious, as this may worsen the symptoms.
   2. Avoid causing excessive stress to the child. Help the child reduce anxiety and avoid activities that cause stress.
   3. Modify behavior in older children by having them tense muscles to reduce twitching in that muscle area.
   4. Reduce family conflicts, as they may cause stress in the child, etc.