Tics are movements, twitches, or vocalizations that affect mostly children, but adults can have them, too. At Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center, the experienced team of neurologists has extensive experience helping people of all ages overcome tic disorders through expert diagnosis and treatment. If you or your child has an unexplained tic, call one of the two San Antonio-based clinics in Nix Alamo Heights, Shavano Park, and Lockhill-Selma, Texas, or make an appointment using the online scheduling tool.
There are two primary types of tics, which include:
These tics can manifest themselves either vocally or through a muscle movement, such as
A simple tic confines itself to one muscle movement or vocalization.
These types of tics are defined by the involvement of more than one muscle group or complex vocalizations, such as repeating words or shouting obscenities.
One of the more severe tic disorders is called Tourette syndrome, which typically affects children between the ages of 5 and 18. Tourette syndrome usually causes both motor and vocal tics, which can come and go. Most kids outgrow the syndrome.
There’s no single cause of tics, but researchers believe that any number of factors can lead to the development of tics, such as lack of sleep or stress. Abnormalities in the brain may also contribute toward the onset of tics and, in rare cases, genetic mutations.
To get to the bottom of your problem with tics, the team at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center performs an extensive analysis, which includes:
Once they better understand the type of tics you or your child is experiencing, they come up with the best treatment plan for your situation and goals.
The answer to this depends upon the severity of the tic and how disruptive it is. After evaluating your tic (or your child’s tic), the team at Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center designs a treatment program to best suit your needs.
In some cases, prescription medications may reduce the frequency of the tic, but more often behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes make a bigger difference. By learning to control the tic and figuring out what may trigger it, you can reduce its impact on your life.
For expert diagnosis and treatment of your tic disorder, please call Texas Pediatric Specialties and Family Sleep Center or request a consultation using the online scheduler.