Tics Disorder Information and Help

Tic is a disorder that involves rapid, sudden, repetitive, nonrhythmic, uncontrollable movements (motor tic) or sound (phonic tic) that a person makes for no apparent reason. These movements are made involuntarily by a tic sufferer and can happen at any time.

Tics is classified as a neurological (brain) disorder. It is very hard to suppress the urge to make these movements and tic sufferers can aonly suppress this urge for a short period of time.

The cause of Tics disorders is suggested to be related to genetics and chemical abnormalities in the brain.

The symptoms of Tics vary intensity depending whether it is simple tics or complex tics. There are many triggers that worsen the intensity of a tic bout and they include extreme fatigue, extreme excitement, illnesses and certain medications. Many of these tics are exhibited when a person suffers from a tic disorder, known as Tourette's Syndrome.

Tics are not always obvious and can be unpredictable in appearance. They may come and go over a period of months, change from one type to another, or disappear for no apparent reason.

Examples of vocal tic disorders include:

* Throat clearing
* Yelping
* Sniffing
* Tongue clicking
* Uttering words or phrases out of context
* Coprolalia (vocalizing socially unacceptable words)

Examples of motor tic disorders include:

* Eye blinking or darting
* Head jerking
* Finger flexing
* Sticking tongue out
* Touching the nose
* Touching other people
* Smelling objects
* Obscene gestures
* Flapping the arms
* Jumping or twirling about

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There are many ways you as a parent can help your child deal with tics.

Here are a few examples:

> Educate yourself on tics disorder and understand how this disorder affects your child. Make necessary changes to home and school to help accommodate your child's needs.

> Keep a proper record of your child's tics. This will help you know the triggers of their tic attacks - be it fear, anxiety or other psychological reasons or situations. Knowing the triggers will help you better avoid those situations that cause their bout of tic attacks.

> Although a child's tics may frustrate all parents, you should realize that tics are not done on purpose and not done to irritate you - they simply can't help it. Don't punish your child for having tics, and try not to show any frustration you may feel. Doing so may increase your child's anxiety and cause more tics.

> Alternate household tasks with free time to allow relaxation and prevent stress.

> Encourage your child to increase responsibilities at his or her own pace.