Tics Specialist

What is a tic?

There are two primary types of tics, which include:

Simple tics

These tics can manifest themselves either vocally or through a muscle movement, such as

• Blinking
• Nose twitch or sniffing
• Grimacing
• Shoulder movements
• Throat clearing
• Coughing
• Barking

A simple tic confines itself to one muscle movement or vocalization.

Complex tics

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.

What is Tourette syndrome?

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.

What causes tics?

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.

How are tics diagnosed?

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:

• A review of symptoms
• A review of any pertinent medical or family history
• A neurological exam

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. 

How are tics treated?

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.