Nervous tic is a disease of the central nervous system, characterized by involuntary, uniform and jerky contractions of certain muscles.
A tic is a type of hyperkinesis, contractions of an individual muscle or an entire group due to incorrect settings of the brain. It sends “erroneous” nerve impulses to the muscles, leading to their rapid, monotonous contraction. It is impossible to stop these reductions on your own. Most often, a nervous tic is a twitching of the eyelid, cheek or corner of the mouth, but can also spread to other parts of the body.
Both children and adults are susceptible to this disease. The disease is not contagious and does not affect the functioning of the nervous system or mental abilities of a person, but it significantly worsens his psycho-emotional state.
Tic is a fairly common nervous disorder among boys aged two to ten years, and is generally more common among the male population. And although the symptoms often worsen, half of the children eventually completely get rid of the disease. Also, some studies show that tics are more common among children with learning disabilities.
Nervous tics are classified according to the following criteria:
- Based on the muscle groups involved, facial or facial tics and limb tics are distinguished. A vocal tic is characterized by the involvement of the vocal cords;
- According to the degree of prevalence, local tic is distinguished, when the disease affects only one muscle group, and generalized - in which several muscle groups are involved;
- According to the level of complexity, a simple tic is distinguished, which is characterized by the presence of elementary movements (twitching of the eyelid, corners of the mouth), and a complex one, with a whole complex of involuntary movements (screaming expressions, snapping fingers, etc.)
- by duration: transient tic disorder and chronic motor/vocal tic disorder. Transient tic disorder affects up to 10 percent of children during the early school years and is characterized by the presence of 1 or more tics for at least 1 month, but not more than 12 consecutive months. Tics that begin before age 18 and continue for a year or more are classified as chronic tic disorders;
- Tourette syndrome is a complex neurological disorder characterized by multiple tics, both motor and vocal. This is the most severe and least common nervous tic.
Causes
Among the causes of nervous tics, there are two groups: primary and secondary.
- primary (psychogenic or nervous) causes are the result of the influence of negative mental factors on a person’s condition, for example, anxiety, fear, depression, neuroses, stress, etc. Chronic fatigue, nervous exhaustion, lack of sleep and constant tension can also cause tics. Contractions in this case are a consequence of an independent disorder of the central nervous system.
Most often, tics caused by primary causes are observed in children from 3 to 5 and from 7 to 11 years. Experts attribute this to the vulnerability of the child’s psyche at this age. If a nervous tic is observed earlier than the specified period, you should consult a doctor, as this phenomenon indicates the presence of a serious disorder. The causes of primary tics in children can be psycho-emotional trauma caused by constant emotional instability due to the nervous situation in the family, phobias, obsessive fears, intimidation, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and congenital increased anxiety. - Secondary (or symptomatic) causes of nervous tics are the result of metabolic disorders in the brain, infections, and tissue damage. An example of such damage can be complications after infectious diseases, intoxication, trauma, herpes viruses, and various organic pathologies. The disease can also appear due to childhood and birth injuries, a difficult pregnancy in the mother, poor circulation in the brain, infection with worms, and even due to poor nutrition.
Some hereditary factors also lead to uncontrolled muscle contractions. A striking example of this is Tourette's syndrome, in which either simple, involuntary, uniform and rapid muscle movements, or a complex of such movements, are observed. It is important that similar manifestations usually occur in relatives: for example, a father experiences periodic contraction of the eyelid, and his daughter experiences clenching of her fingers into a fist.
Symptoms
The main and obvious manifestation of the disease is the presence of involuntary convulsive contractions affecting different muscle groups. Usually, physical attempts to stop the twitching (press with a finger, close your eyes, etc.) only intensify the manifestation of a nervous tic.
Manifestations of the disease directly depend on the location of the tic:
- The most common are facial nervous tics, in which the facial muscles contract. They are characterized by moving lips, blinking, opening the mouth, moving the eyebrows and forehead, twitching the nose or cheeks;
- for people suffering from nervous tics of the head, neck and shoulders, nodding, shaking the head, and clapping the palms are typical;
- a vocal nervous tic can cause a person to make incoherent sounds, shout curses, sometimes there is incoherent speech, howling;
- motor pathology affecting the torso is accompanied by unnatural movements of the chest, protrusion of the abdomen or pelvis;
- In the case of tics in the arms and legs, clapping of hands, stomping and jumping are observed.
Rare symptoms of tics include palilalia (multiple repetition of a word or phrase) and echolalia (repetition of a heard phrase). Indecent gestures and shouting obscene words are more common among adolescents and adult men. As a rule, behavioral features become noticeable to others, which attracts increased attention to the patient with a tic. In some cases, a person can briefly stop the onset of an attack, but most often this is not possible. Attacks provoke an increase in emotional instability, which only intensifies the symptoms.
Symptoms of tics in children are associated with general disorders of the nervous system - depression, anxiety, depression or hyperactivity. Restlessness, problems falling asleep, high fatigue, slowness or poor coordination of actions also contribute to the development of nervous tics.
Diagnostics
Only a specialized specialist can make an accurate diagnosis. Rare, isolated tics of the facial muscles, caused by being in a stressful situation or general fatigue, usually do not require medical intervention. The twitching may go away on its own or take a milder, non-disturbing form. If muscle contraction affects increasingly large areas of the face or limb, you should seek help from a specialist.
A conversation with a neurologist and a standard examination is the first step towards treating a nervous tic. The main criterion for diagnosing temporary tic disorder is the duration of the symptom; to make a diagnosis, tics must be present daily for at least 12 months in a row. People with chronic tic disorder usually experience specific tics, such as vocal only or motor only, but not both.
If necessary, the doctor prescribes blood and urine tests to exclude possible inflammatory processes in the body. To identify problems with the central nervous system, CT, MRI, and electroencephalography can be used. Consultations with specialized specialists, such as a psychiatrist, oncologist, cardiologist and endocrinologist, are prescribed as necessary.
Treatment
The sooner the patient sees a doctor, the more likely the treatment will be successful. At the first serious symptoms, you should seek help, since the most effective treatment of the disease is achieved in case of an immediate response, and also if you consult a doctor no later than 2-4 months from the onset of the disease.
Nervous tics are treated by:
- a neurologist examines the nervous system and prescribes medication;
- a psychotherapist works with mental disorders that provoke the occurrence of a nervous tic, and, if necessary, prescribes medication, including antidepressants, sedatives (sedatives). Some types of psychotherapy can help people control nervous tics and reduce their occurrence. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps people become accustomed to the uncomfortable urges that precede a tic in order to reduce symptoms. With this therapy, you can achieve significant results in working with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive disorders, phobias and other disorders;
- a psychologist studies a person’s individual characteristics, helps to cope with stress, psychological tension, and personal problems. Treatment is aimed at reducing anxiety and resolving traumatic situations.
During the treatment of a nervous tic, you should not focus on the symptoms, as this will contribute to the worsening of the condition. The patient should create the most comfortable living conditions for himself, try to avoid stressful situations or change his attitude towards them. Successful treatment of nervous tics requires patience, a calm atmosphere, and the goodwill of friends and relatives. It is not recommended to shame or ridicule tics, as this will only make them worse.
Medicines
The choice of drug treatment depends on the type of tic and the degree of damage; each patient is approached individually. Medicines are successfully used in the treatment of the disease, eliminate symptoms and help improve the psychological state of the patient.
Anticonvulsants help eliminate cramps in the facial muscles of the face and hands, and symptoms of motor tics. Despite their effectiveness, this group of drugs has a complex effect on the body and can cause unpleasant side effects. Such drugs are prescribed only by a qualified doctor in individual cases.
Sedatives are aimed at reducing stress and helping to cope with difficult situations in the patient’s life. In most cases, preparations of plant origin, based on natural herbs, are chosen. Such products reduce the systemic exposure of chemicals to the body and reduce the risk of side effects. Valerian-based preparations are widely used. They are used for physical and mental stress, when increased fatigue and sleep disturbances are a concern. They have no side effects and are not addictive.
Anxiolytics (tranquilizers) are often prescribed, which can suppress anxiety, fear, restlessness and emotional stress. Afobazole is one of the most common drugs in this group. It is well tolerated and causes virtually no side effects. There is a possibility of headaches while taking the drug, but often the pain goes away on its own, and the drug is not discontinued. It is worth noting that this drug is prohibited for children under 18 years of age, as well as during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
In case of development of a depressive state, treatment is supplemented by the prescription of antidepressants. These drugs are selected by the appropriate specialist strictly individually. Since antidepressants have a cumulative effect, the duration of the course can be a month or more. It should be remembered that changing the dosage of medications on your own or stopping taking them is strictly prohibited, because these actions can lead to the development of various unpleasant effects.
When treating secondary tics, treatment is supplemented with pharmaceuticals aimed at eliminating the underlying cause of the disease identified during the examination of the patient.
Folk remedies
Psychological comfort is often the key to a successful solution to the problem; it can be achieved not only with drug treatment, but also with folk remedies. There are many simple and accessible ways that can reduce stress levels and relieve tension, thereby reducing the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms.
First of all, it’s worth considering all kinds of herbal drinks and infusions that you can buy in pharmacies or you can prepare yourself. Calming teas can bring calm to a person’s state and distract him from stress. Chamomile, mint and lemon balm are successfully used to restore mental balance. You can try this soothing decoction: mix equal parts of rue leaves and anise seeds, add plantain leaves. Pour 4 tablespoons of the mixture into 0.5 liters of boiling water, leave to steep for half an hour, then strain. Remove the zest from 2 lemons, mix with half a glass of honey, and combine with herbal infusion. Drink in small sips before meals.
Various tinctures have been used successfully. For example, you can use hawthorn berries - they can normalize the functioning of the circulatory system, improve the quality of sleep, and stabilize the nervous system. To prepare the tincture, you need to crush 3 tablespoons of hawthorn berries, pour 2 cups of boiling water, strain and judge. You need to drink 300 g per day in 3 doses.
For eye twitching, you can use soothing lotions based on chamomile and wormwood infusions. To prepare a compress, you need to cut off the geranium leaves, wash them, then grind them into a paste and apply them to the sore spot. The compress should be removed after an hour.
The information is for reference only and is not a guide to action. Do not self-medicate. At the first symptoms of the disease, consult a doctor.
Reading time: 4 min
A nervous tic is an unintentional stereotypical contraction of the muscles of the face, sometimes the neck. This deviation is expressed mainly by small twitching. Uncontrollable muscle contractions are not uncommon and have occurred once in almost every human subject. For example, most people with severe psycho-emotional stress experience the appearance of stereotypical twitching of the eyelids. It is known that nervous tics of the eyes and contraction of facial muscles are more common. At the stage of childhood (up to the age of ten), the most common problem of neurological etiology is tics, which are found in one girl out of a hundred and 13% of male children. The described phenomenon does not require drug therapy, since it does not cause harm to the child’s body, as well as to a mature individual. Treatment is necessary only if temporary tics degenerate into a permanent phenomenon.
Causes of nervous tics
The main factor contributing to the appearance of tics is dysfunction of the nervous system. The human brain sends “wrong” nerve impulses to the muscles, forcing them to contract quickly and uniformly. This phenomenon is involuntary, so the individual himself cannot stop the twitching.
There are three variations of tics, their classification is determined by the cause that gave rise to the imbalance of the nervous system: primary (psychogenic, idiopathic), secondary (symptomatic) and hereditary (origin as a result of hereditary diseases leading to damage to the cellular structures of the nervous system).
Among the causes of primary twitching that begins in childhood are:
– psycho-emotional trauma;
Psycho-emotional trauma that causes the appearance of stereotypical trembling can be acute, for example, with a single episode of sudden fear, severe pain, or chronic. The nervous system of the small inhabitants of the planet is unformed, and therefore the mechanisms for regulating motor acts are imperfect. As a result, a violent reaction to negative circumstances often leads to the emergence of a tic disorder. Sometimes nervous tics are also observed in mature individuals.
Nervous tics of primary origin in adults are caused by frequent stress, weakness of the nervous system,.
Such twitching is characterized by a benign course. Typically, they almost always go away on their own without the use of pharmacopoeial drugs.
Nervous tics of secondary origin can be provoked by:
– infectious diseases of the brain;
– carbon monoxide poisoning;
– taking a number of pharmacopoeial drugs, for example, psychotropics or anticonvulsants;
– damage to the capillaries of the brain (atherosclerosis, stroke);
– dysfunction of the kidneys or liver, as a result of which the concentration of toxic breakdown products in the blood increases, affecting the nervous system;
– mental illnesses, such as: , ;
– tumor processes in the brain;
– trigeminal neuralgia;
Diagnosis of nervous tics
In order to diagnose the deviation in question, tics should be distinguished from motor acts provoked by the presence of other pathologies, for example, dystonia, myoclonus, chorea, operations caused by stereotypical motor deviations, and compulsive impulses.
Also, differential diagnosis is very important in order to understand how to treat nervous tics. It assumes the exclusion of such ailments as: dystonia, paroxysmal dyskinesia, chorea, other genetic pathologies, secondary causes. In addition to Tourette's syndrome, the following ailments can manifest themselves as twitches or in the form of stereotypical motor acts: developmental disorders, Huntington's disease, Sydenham's chorea, idiopathic dystonia, stereotypic movement disorder, autism spectrum disorders, neuroacanthocytosis, tuberous sclerosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Wilson's disease. Some chromosomal mutations should also be excluded: Down syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome.
In addition, nervous tics can occur due to acquired causes due to drug use, head injuries, strokes, and encephalitis. In general, the listed options are much less common than tic disorders. Therefore, screenings or medical tests are not always necessary. Often, to exclude a particular pathology, a thorough examination and history taking is sufficient.
Tic twitching is generally considered a syndrome characteristic of childhood, but sometimes develops in adults and is often due to secondary causes. Twitching that debuts after the age of 18 is not a manifestation of Tourette's syndrome, but is often diagnosed as other specified or unspecified disorders.
If necessary, tests may be prescribed to rule out other ailments. For example, if during diagnosis it is impossible to distinguish whether the patient is suffering from tics or convulsions, an EEG is recommended. Also, in order to exclude brain pathologies, an MRI should be prescribed. To exclude hypothyroidism, it is recommended to measure the concentration of thyroid-stimulating hormone.
A urine test to detect narcotic or other stimulants is often necessary when twitching is observed in adolescents or in adults in whom involuntary contractions began unexpectedly, and there are other behavioral manifestations.
If there is a family history of liver pathologies, analysis of ceruloplasmin and copper levels will help exclude Wilson's disease.
A nervous tic detected in an adult indicates the presence of abnormalities in the functioning of the nervous system. Therefore, with some exceptions, the disease in question requires a qualified consultation with a neurologist.
A consultation with a neurologist involves interviewing the patient, assessing the individual’s condition, conducting instrumental and laboratory tests, consulting other specialists, and assessing the nervous system.
The survey requires clarification:
– time, as well as the circumstances of the appearance of a nervous tic;
– duration of tic presence;
– past or existing illnesses;
– attempts to eliminate tic and their effectiveness;
– whether other members of family relationships have tics.
After the interview, a systematic study of the nervous system is carried out, motor and sensory functions are assessed, muscle tone is determined, as well as the severity of reflexes.
To diagnose the disease described, it is recommended to carry out such laboratory tests as an ionogram, used to identify the amount of electrolytes in the blood (lack of magnesium or calcium leads to an increase in muscle tone, which can be expressed by convulsions), a general blood test, which helps to identify the presence of an illness of an infectious nature, study stool used to detect helminth eggs.
Treatment of nervous tics
Nervous tics are unconscious motor acts that the individual cannot control. Their peculiarity lies in the absence of spontaneous twitching when a person performs a purposeful motor act. This is due to the fact that the brain controls the execution of a certain movement at a given specific moment, and therefore does not miss uncontrolled voluntary tics of the head.
Despite the comparative safety of uncontrolled motor acts, it is still necessary to understand how to get rid of a nervous tic.
If spontaneous muscle twitching suddenly appears in any area, it is recommended to strongly strain the contracting muscle for a short period. This action will stop the manifestation of the disease for an indefinite period, but will not eliminate the cause of the deviation in question.
The described technique is contraindicated if the tremors are caused by inflammation of the trigeminal nerve. Here it is recommended to minimize exposure to irritants as much as possible, avoiding any touching of the teak area.
How to get rid of nervous eye tics? Below are recommendations. Often a twitching eye signals the body's need for rest. Spontaneous muscle tremors can occur during prolonged use of a computer, when reading in a dimly lit room, or due to fatigue.
To quickly eliminate eye tics you should:
– close your eyes for 15 minutes and relax;
– apply cotton pads, previously soaked in warm liquid, to the eyelid area;
– try to open your eyes as wide as possible, then close your eyes tightly for a couple of seconds, repeat this exercise 3 times;
– lightly press on the middle of the eyebrow arch located above the twitching eye;
– blink quickly with both eyes for 15 seconds, then close your eyes for 2 minutes and relax.
Methods for treating nervous tics are described below. To get rid of uncontrollable twitching, pharmacopoeial drugs, non-drug therapy and alternative medicine are used.
The most important task of drug correction of a nervous tic disorder is relief from symptoms and elimination of the cause that gave rise to the disease. To stop episodes of twitching, medications are prescribed that affect the patient’s psycho-emotional sphere and nervous system.
For primary twitching, preference is given to sedative medications (for example, medicinal). If there is no effect, you can move on to more serious groups of drugs.
Tics of secondary etiology cannot be treated with sedatives. Here it is recommended to start corrective action with anti-anxiety and antipsychotic drugs. These drugs are prescribed in conjunction with the treatment of the underlying disease.
In order to stabilize the functioning of the nervous system, as an additional remedy, it is recommended to take an ordinary tea drink with lemon balm or mint.
In addition to medications, one should not forget about restorative therapy. Treatment with non-drug drugs can be used for both primary twitching and secondary tics, as they normalize the psycho-emotional balance and restore the disordered functions of the nervous system.
Non-drug therapy includes: adequate sleep, adherence to a daily routine, balanced nutrition, and psychotherapeutic techniques.
The appearance of nervous tics is an important signal notifying that the body needs a break. Therefore, if uncontrollable twitching occurs, first of all, you should reconsider your daily routine, exclude, if possible, certain types of activities, and allocate more time for rest.
Constant overwork and lack of proper rest over a long period cause depletion of the body's functional resources and increased susceptibility to irritants of the nervous system.
– wake up and fall asleep at the same time;
– observe the work regime;
- do exercises;
– follow a rest regime (vacation, weekends);
– avoid night work and overwork;
– cut down on time spent at the computer;
– limit or completely eliminate TV viewing.
A lack of sleep for several days increases the body's susceptibility to stressors, lowers the nervous system, and causes... Prolonged lack of sleep creates even greater dysfunction of the nervous system, which is often manifested by increased nervous tics.
An excellent way to get rid of the painful disorder in question is a relaxing bath using sea salt. In addition, aromatherapy has a wonderful effect on relaxation.
It should be noted that for individuals suffering from nervous twitching, family support is extremely important. It is the relatives who should help create an atmosphere of calm in the home. Often it is the support of those closest to you, their care and understanding, that contribute to the speedy relief from uncontrollable sudden muscle tremors.
Doctor of the Medical and Psychological Center "PsychoMed"
The information presented in this article is intended for informational purposes only and cannot replace professional advice and qualified medical care. If you have the slightest suspicion that you have a nervous tic, be sure to consult your doctor!
Involuntary and uncontrollable muscle contractions that are caused by false signals sent by the brain are called hyperkinesis. An independent form of hyperkinesis is a tic disorder, also called a nervous tic or dyskinesia.
A nervous tic is manifested by a short-term manifestation of intense, rapid, stereotypical, involuntary contractions of muscle tissue. A nervous tic occurs regardless of the will of the individual; the process of chaotic movements is not controlled or controlled by the person’s consciousness. Erratic convulsive contractions can occur in any part of the body and can affect the vocal apparatus.
The development of a tic disorder is not associated with muscle dysfunction, but is initiated by significant disruptions in the functioning of the brain. A nervous tic starts as a result of significant damage to neurons and disruption of neural metabolism in certain segments of the brain.
The intensity of this type of hyperkinesis can be reduced through willpower and deliberate stimulation of certain nerve receptors. Symptoms of nervous tics disappear when changing body position and during night sleep.
Although a nervous tic does not threaten the life of an individual, this unpleasant disorder has an extremely negative impact on the psycho-emotional state of the individual, brings significant difficulties to a person’s life, and acts as a huge obstacle to full social interaction. It is extremely important to promptly treat the pathology, since nervous tics give rise to various complexes and can cause the individual to consciously isolate himself from society.
Nervous tic: varieties
There are several different classifications of nervous tics. This form of hyperkinesis is divided according to the following criteria.
According to the anatomical location of the muscle group:
- facial nervous tic, otherwise called facial tic, is fixed on the entire surface of the head and neck;
- vocal nervous tic - contraction of the muscles of the vocal cords;
- nervous tic of the limbs - involuntary movements of the arms or legs;
- nervous tic of the torso is an unnatural process in the torso area.
According to the prevalence of pathology:
- local nervous tic is an abnormal phenomenon that involves the tissues of one muscle group.
- generalized nervous tic - convulsive contractions are detected in several groups of muscle fibers.
According to the degree of complexity of the abbreviations made:
- a stereotypical nervous tic involves the production of simple elementary contractions;
- multivariate nervous tics are characterized by complex, varied muscle contractions.
By duration:
- transient type - lasting up to one year;
- chronic type - observed for more than 12 months.
Nervous tic: causes
For etiological reasons, the origin of nervous tics is conventionally divided into three categories.
The first type of abnormality is multiple motor tics, officially called Gilles de la Tourette syndrome.
The disease is progressive and genetically determined. The exact cause of the development of Tourette syndrome has not been established, however, in official medical circles, the version of unfavorable genetic inheritance in combination with the negative influence of environmental factors is accepted. A common cause of the manifestation and intensification of nervous tics in Tourette syndrome is autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders. This disease almost always debuts in childhood, and by the time puberty is reached, the frequency and intensity of attacks decreases significantly, and by adulthood, in most cases, the disease disappears. At the same time, gender plays a significant role in the occurrence of tic disorder: a nervous tic due to a defective gene is more often detected in men.
The second type of pathology is a primary nervous tic, also called psychogenic, which directly reflects the cause of the disorder.
The onset of involuntary convulsive movements almost always coincides with or is a consequence traumatic situation. A nervous tic can be triggered by any chronic stressful condition or sudden tragedy that the individual interprets as intense, significant, and insurmountable. Despite the benign nature of this form of tic disorder, the anomaly causes significant problems in the subject's life and persists for years.
The third type of defect is a secondary nervous tic, called the symptomatic form of hyperkinesis.
The reason for the development of convulsive muscle contractions is an organic disease of the brain, a previous dysmetabolic lesion of the central nervous system. Symptomatic nervous tics are often a consequence of:
- traumatic brain injuries;
- acute cerebral circulatory disorder;
- inflammation of the brain - encephalitis;
- postencephalitic parkinsonism;
- toxic encephalopathy - the entry of toxins into the blood as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning;
- intoxication of the body due to an overdose of drugs, in particular: antipsychotics, stimulating psychotropic substances, drugs based on dihydroxyphenylalanine.
An objective factor that reveals the immediate cause of the development of a nervous tic - dysfunction of the frontal gyrus, thalamus, basal ganglia. Failures in neural connections in certain brain structures (cortical and subcortical segments) are involved in the formation of tic disorder.
Other causes of nervous tics include the following:
- lack of magnesium and subsequent metabolic failures;
- calcium deficiency or calcium metabolism disorders due to endocrine pathologies;
- lack of glycine due to insufficient functionality of the thyroid gland;
- excess dopamine and catecholamines due to a malfunction in neurotransmitter metabolism in the extrapyramidal system of the brain;
- insufficient production of acetylcholine and serotonin due to disruption of neural connections in the strio-pallidal system.
- severe acute respiratory viral infections;
- inflammatory processes in the organs of vision;
- excessive eye fatigue due to prolonged eye strain and poor occupational hygiene.
Nervous tic: symptoms
The leading symptom of tic disorder is the spontaneous occurrence of involuntary, intractable muscle contractions. Moreover, the more persistently an individual tries to neutralize the manifestations of a nervous tic, the more intensely the muscle tissue contracts. Despite the inability to consciously control the work of the central nervous system, individuals are able, through volitional efforts, to delay the moment of crisis and ease the amplitude of muscle contractions.
Most often, symptoms of a nervous tic appear after severe physical or mental fatigue, as a result of a sudden traumatic situation, after conflicts and quarrels. Symptoms of hyperkinesis intensify gradually, while manifestations of a nervous tic are outwardly noticeable to others.
The clinical symptoms of tic disorder are directly dependent on the site where the nervous tic develops.
- Hyperkinesis on the face is manifested by frequent blinking, chaotic movements of the eyebrows, trembling of the nose, involuntary opening and closing of the mouth, intense movement of the lips, and tension in the frontal area.
- A nervous tic localized in the head and neck area manifests itself with impulsive nods and automatic turns of the head.
- In case of damage to the vocal apparatus, the following symptoms occur: unconscious utterance of incoherent sounds, individual syllables, development of a barking cough, grunting or unintentional howling.
- If the nervous tic is located on the torso, reflex movements of the abdominal muscles, chaotic movements of the diaphragm, and contractions of the pelvic muscles are observed.
- When the tic is localized on the limbs, the individual performs automatic hand clapping and may stomp or jump on the spot.
Nervous tic: treatment methods
It is extremely rare that symptoms of primary or secondary nervous tics resolve on their own. In most cases, manifestations of tic disorder become less pronounced after psychotherapeutic work and hypnosis sessions without drug treatment. The main task in the treatment of pathology is to normalize the patient’s mental status, establish and eliminate the causes of the anomaly, and create a favorable atmosphere in the patient’s environment.
Drug treatment
Pharmacological treatment of secondary nervous tics and hyperkinesis in Tourette's syndrome is a rather difficult task. Drug treatment is carried out by a neurologist, choosing a treatment regimen taking into account the underlying pathology. Treatment of secondary nervous tics involves two types of measures:
- etiotropic therapy – measures aimed directly at eliminating the underlying disease;
- symptomatic therapy - the use of pharmaceuticals that work to eliminate muscle contractions.
In most cases, the following groups of drugs are used in the treatment of nervous tics:
- dopamine receptor antagonists - antipsychotics, for example: haloperidol;
- drugs based on valproic acid, for example: Depakinechrono;
- benzodiazepine tranquilizers, for example: phenazepam (Phenazepamum);
- botulinum toxin derivatives, for example: Dysport.
Psychotherapeutic treatment and hypnosis
It is worth considering that drug treatment does not guarantee the achievement of long-term and stable remission if the true cause of the tic disorder has not been eliminated. In the treatment of all types of nervous tics, behavioral psychotherapy must be included, the purpose of which is to minimize the patient’s degree of anxiety, teach relaxation skills, and help the individual develop confidence.
Hypnosis techniques provide real assistance in the treatment of psychogenic nervous tics. During a hypnotic session, the patient is in a state of natural trance. During trance, a person relaxes all muscle groups of skeletal muscles, muscle spasms and tension disappear, and nervous tension is eliminated. A semi-asleep state helps to stabilize the functioning of all organs, including normalization of the functions of the central nervous system. Immersion in a hypnotic trance streamlines cardiac activity, promotes measured breathing, and activates the body’s recovery processes.
Another advantage of hypnosis techniques is the possibility of direct access to the unconscious sphere, which is the repository of a person’s life “script”. Working with the subconscious allows you to identify the direct source of the development of a nervous tic and eliminate the destructive components of your life program. Treatment with hypnosis allows the patient, in a comfortable environment, to rethink the difficult moments of his personal history, get rid of illogical fears, and eliminate internal prohibitions and restrictions.
Treatment of nervous tics with hypnosis– a real chance to overcome tic disorder without torturing your body with toxic products from the pharmaceutical industry. The advantage of treatment using hypnosis is comfort, painlessness, and atraumaticity, since all manipulations during sessions are natural and harmless.
Audio recordings for the treatment of phobias and immersion in ultra-deep stages of hypnosis.
“- Please tell me where should I go from here?
-Where do you want to go? - answered the Cat.
“I don’t care...” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter where you go,” said the Cat.
“...just to get somewhere,” Alice explained.
“You’ll definitely end up somewhere,” said the Cat. “You just have to walk long enough.”
Somnambulism (deep stage of hypnosis) is a mode of brain operation in which all mental forces are subordinated to one idea or feeling. The criterion for achieving this state can be considered amnesia (memory loss) and hallucinations (with eyes closed).
- Audio recordings for achieving ultra-deep stages of hypnosis.
For therapeutic purposes, “light somnambulism” is usually used - the middle stage of hypnosis (two points according to Katkov, the level of eyelid catalepsy in Elman’s induction), but even this level of immersion will require courage. It will be necessary to give up everyday fears about hypnosis (“they will turn you into zombies, break your psyche”) and think about why the two-century practice of using hypnosis in medicine has not led to licensing of hypnotherapy activities? Having answered this question in yourself, think about the purpose of immersion in a somnambulist. Do you want to get rid of a psychosomatic illness or just experience the feeling of hypnotic nirvana? Both are good, but in the first case you need to be prepared for the fact that familiar symptoms will arise at some stage. After all, you want to get rid of them? Then, while listening to the recording, you will have to not only put up with them, but also hold on to them and even savor them. This is necessary so that the process of therapy can begin in the free layers of the psyche that you have uncovered.
Nervous tic- this is a rapid involuntary (occurs on its own, without the will of a person) stereotypical (monotonous, reminiscent of normal movements) muscle contraction.
Nervous tics occur at least once in almost every person’s life. In such cases they are called transient (temporary). For example, many people, during times of strong psycho-emotional stress, notice twitching of their eyelids. It is the nervous tics of the facial muscles, the facial muscles, that occur most often, including in healthy people.
In childhood, from about 2 to 10 years of age, tics are the most common neurological problem. They occur in 13% of boys and 11% of girls.
Features of the structure and physiology of the nervous system: prerequisites for the occurrence of nervous tics
In the cerebral cortex, each area is responsible for its own functions. The nerve cells that send impulses to skeletal muscles and provide movement are located in the precentral gyrus, which is located in front of the deep groove separating the frontal lobe of the brain from the parietal lobe. Behind this sulcus is the postcentral gyrus, which provides sensation.All nerve centers of the brain are interconnected. Emotions, speech, thoughts, visual images, etc. - all this can influence muscle tone and movement due to numerous nerve connections.
In addition, there is an extrapyramidal (subcortical) system - various parts of the brain that are not part of its cortex. With the help of nerve connections, they are combined into a common system that performs the following functions:
- regulation of skeletal muscle tone;
- regulation of conducive muscle movements(when muscles on one side of the body symmetrically repeat movements on the other);
- maintaining body posture;
- participation in the processes of cognition and motivation.
Causes of nervous tics
The main cause of nervous tics is an imbalance in the function of the nervous system. The brain sends “erroneous” nerve impulses to the muscles, which cause them to contract quickly and uniformly. This does not happen consciously, but as if by itself. A person cannot stop a tic of his own free will or prevent subsequent ones. Depending on the cause of the nervous system imbalance, there are three types of nervous tics:
- primary(other names: idiopathic, neurogenic, psychogenic);
- secondary(symptomatic);
- hereditary(arise as a result of hereditary diseases leading to damage to the nervous system).
Causes of primary nervous tics
- Psycho-emotional trauma. It can be acute - for example, severe physical pain, a scared dog on the street, etc. Psycho-emotional trauma can also be chronic. In this case, it develops over a long period of time, for example, when parents systematically scold the child or do not devote enough time to him. The children's nervous system is not mature, so the mechanisms for regulating movements are still imperfect. As a result, a reaction to negative events can lead to nervous tics. Sometimes they persist in adults.
- Increased anxiety.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD). In the nervous system of such children there is the greatest imbalance of functions.
- Childhood neuroses. Nervous tics in childhood can be considered a type of obsessive movement.
- Obsessive fears(phobias).
- Frequent severe stress, exhaustion of the nervous system.
- Chronic fatigue.
Causes of secondary nervous tics
- Infectious diseases of the brain- encephalitis.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Taking certain medications: psychotropic, anticonvulsant, etc.
- Brain diseases associated with damage to its blood vessels (cerebrovascular accident, atherosclerosis, stroke).
- Mental illnesses: autism, schizophrenia, etc.
- Diseases of internal organs– diabetes mellitus, liver and kidney damage. At the same time, the content of toxic metabolic products in the blood increases, which affects the nervous system.
- Brain tumors.
- Birth injuries.
- Movements that the patient was forced to make, but later they became fixed in the form of tics. For example, a child with a sore throat is forced to constantly swallow saliva, while strongly straining the muscles of the throat and neck to avoid pain. After recovery, such swallowing may persist as tics.
- Trigeminal neuralgia. In this case, so-called pain tics occur.
- Vegetative-vascular dystonia. This is a disease characterized by a mismatch in the functioning of parts of the nervous system that are responsible for regulating the functions of internal organs, blood vessels, and glands.
Causes of hereditary tics
An inherited form of tics is called Tourette's disease. Its causes are not fully known, but it has been established that the disease is inherited. If one of the parents suffers from this pathology, then the probability of passing it on to children is 50%. The disease develops in childhood, and as people grow older, its symptoms weaken. The severity of the flow may vary.
Supposed factors that influence the course of the disease:
- unfavorable environment;
- autoimmune conditions;
- bacterial infections (there is a hypothesis that the disease can be provoked by a streptococcal infection, but this has not yet been proven);
- lack of magnesium and vitamin B6 in the body;
- stress, psycho-emotional tension.
Signs and symptoms of nervous tics
Depending on the manifestations, nervous tics are divided into 4 types:- Mimic– affects the facial muscles. This is the most common form of tics.
- Motor– affects the arms, legs and other skeletal muscles.
- Vocal (voice) - affects the vocal muscles. Manifest in the form of screams and loud sighs.
- Sensory. They manifest themselves as a feeling of coldness, heaviness in one or another part of the body. They can lead to movements that resemble common tics.
- Local. Only affects one muscle group.
- Generalized. They cover almost the entire body. The tic may start in the face and then spread to the neck, shoulders, arms, chest, back, stomach and legs.
- Simple. The simplest movements of the same type occur.
- Complex. They are complex movements involving different muscle groups.
If a nervous tic occurs for the first time, does not last long, and does not recur later, then no importance is attached to this, and the person does not need treatment. This is a temporary phenomenon associated with stress or overwork.
Manifestations of primary tics
- This type of tics occurs more often in boys (2 to 3 times more often than in girls).
- Involuntary movements are local. They occur in the muscles of the face and shoulder girdle and do not spread to other muscle groups.
- Most often, primary nervous tics arise and intensify in stressful situations.
- The disease can last from several weeks to several years, sometimes persisting in adults.
- The most common movements with primary nervous tics: blinking one or both eyes, shrugging, various grimaces, grinding teeth, twitching and swinging of arms and legs, walking in circles, pulling out hair, wrapping hair around a finger, screams, involuntary sounds, grunting, noisy breath.
Disorders that may accompany primary nervous tics:
- increased anxiety;
- impaired concentration;
- depression;
- depression;
- constant anxiety;
- restlessness;
- increased activity;
- problems with mastering school material;
- increased fatigue;
- difficulty falling asleep, restless sleep, frequent awakenings at night;
- retardation of movements;
- violation of smoothness and coordination of movements;
- poor health in stuffy rooms and while driving.
Usually the prognosis for primary nervous tics is favorable. The disease goes away on its own as you grow older, often even without any treatment. The doctor prescribes medications to reduce symptoms and speed recovery.
Sick children often have problems at school. The teacher may consider that the child is not conscientious about his studies, grimaces and teases the teacher and classmates. Reprimands and punishments in this regard only increase the stressful situation, which leads to an increase in tics.
Symptoms of secondary tics
Secondary tics can vary depending on which part of the brain is affected during the disease. Typically, a nervous tic begins along with the underlying illness, and after recovery it completely disappears.Symptoms of hereditary tics
Usually the disease begins to manifest itself at the age of 5–6 years. Seizures during illness Different types of tics may occur. They are rare or occur one after another. The most common ones are: - Motor tics: blinking eyes, coughing, grimacing.
- Coprolalia: shouting obscene words.
- Sensory tics. The patient experiences an irresistible urge to make a movement that resembles the desire to sneeze or yawn. The tic occurs “semi-voluntarily”: the patient believes that he is making the movement to relieve increasing tension. This may be itching of the skin and eyes, tension in the shoulders, scratching in the throat, etc.
- Generalized tics. They start in the face and neck and then spread to all other muscles. Gradually, tics can increase, become more complex, and resemble various conscious movements. As they grow older, on the contrary, they often become weaker.
- Obsessive fears– phobias.
- Obsessive thoughts and movements. They arise against the will of the patient, and he himself perceives them as alien, unnatural, and experiences suffering from them. Thoughts are often blasphemous, blasphemous, and this adds to the discomfort for the patient.
- Echolalia- repeating words spoken by another person.
- Palilalia- constant repetition of the same word.
- Copropraxia- gestures of an indecent nature.
Diagnosis of tics
A neurologist diagnoses and treats nervous tics. - The doctor's appointment begins with a survey. The specialist finds out when nervous tics first appeared, how long they last, how they manifest themselves, how often the attacks recur, and what other diseases and injuries the patient has suffered.
- Next, a standard neurological examination is performed. The doctor assesses the state of the nervous system.
- At an appointment, a neurologist cannot always see tics in a patient. Therefore, many doctors ask you to pre-record a video at home during an attack.
- Is there a nervous tic in this case? Or is it another disease of the nervous system?
- What are the causes of nervous tics? Is it primary, secondary or hereditary?
| Study | Description | How is it carried out? |
| Lab tests | ||
| General blood analysis | Allows you to identify inflammatory changes in the body (a sign is an increase in the number of leukocytes and an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate). This allows us to indirectly judge an infection or an autoimmune disease - possible causes of attacks.
| Blood for a general analysis is taken from a finger or from a vein, usually in the morning or immediately after admission to the hospital. |
| Blood chemistry | Allows you to identify diseases of internal organs that can lead to damage to the nervous system and the occurrence of tics. During the study, the following indicators can be assessed:
| The analysis is taken in the morning, on an empty stomach. Blood is drawn using a needle from a vein. |
| Instrumental studies | ||
| X-ray, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the skull | These studies help assess the condition of the brain and skull bones and detect diseases that cause secondary nervous tics.
| X-rays of the skull are taken in different projections. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging provide slice-by-slice or three-dimensional images of intracranial structures. |
| Electroencephalography | The method is based on recording electrical impulses arising in the brain. In this case, foci of pathological activity can be identified.
| The study is carried out in a closed room, where there is no interference that could affect the accuracy of the study result. The patient should be in a calm state and not take medications before the study. He is seated in a semi-lying position and a special cap with electrodes is placed on his head. The procedure is painless. |
| Specialist consultations | ||
| Consultation with a traumatologist | May be required for previous head injuries. |  |
| Oncologist consultation | May be required if there is a suspicion of a tumor inside the skull. |  |
| Psychiatrist consultation | May be required if mental illness is suspected. |  |
If necessary, the doctor may prescribe other studies and tests.
Treatment of nervous tics
Treatment of primary nervous tics
Often, primary nervous tics in children do not require treatment and go away on their own with age. Treatment is given to reduce symptoms and speed recovery.Main events:
- Correct daily routine. The child should wake up, go to bed and eat at the same time. Nutrition should be balanced, enriched with all necessary substances, vitamins, and microelements. The workload at school should not be excessive. The child needs a sufficient amount of time to play sports, be in the fresh air, and lead an active lifestyle. During the holidays it is advisable to leave the city.
- Reducing psycho-emotional stress. Most often it is caused by problems in the family. Parents must reconsider their attitude towards each other and towards the child. If problems arise at school with classmates and teachers, they must be resolved with the competent participation of parents and a school psychologist. Perhaps parents should completely reconsider their parenting model.
- Help from a child psychologist or psychotherapist. The specialist helps stabilize the child’s emotional state, eliminate internal conflicts, and improve relationships in the family and among peers. Sometimes family psychotherapy is necessary.
- Drug therapy. It is prescribed in cases where the tics are severe and recur frequently.
Drugs that are used for primary nervous tics in children:
| Drug name | Description | Directions for use and doses** |
| Valerian tincture | Valerian– a medicinal plant that contains esters that have the following effects:
| The tincture is used in children over 3 years of age. In a glass of water, dilute as many drops of tincture as the child’s age. Take 3 – 4 times a day. |
| Motherwort tincture | Motherwort- a medicinal plant that has the following effects:
| An alcohol tincture of motherwort is used only in children over 3 years of age. Young children can be bathed in baths with the addition of motherwort herb. For children over 3 years old, dilute 1–2 drops of motherwort tincture in 0.5 cups of water. Take 3 times a day. From the age of 8, you can take motherwort in tablets, 1 to 3 tablets per day. The exact dosage is selected by the attending physician. |
| Diazepam (synonyms: Sibazon, Diapam, Diazepex, Novo-Dipam) | The drug belongs to the group of tranquilizers. Main effects:
| Diazepam can be prescribed as tablets, intravenous or intramuscular injections. Usual dosages for children:
|
| Phenazepam | One of the most powerful tranquilizers. Main effects:
| The drug is prescribed for severe symptoms of nervous tics, when usual measures, tinctures of valerian and motherwort do not help. The dosage for children is selected by the attending physician. |
| Haloperidol | One of the most active psychotropic drugs. Used in the most severe cases. Main effects:
| Haloperidol is used for the most severe forms of primary nervous tics, when there are no effects from the use of Diazepam and Phenazepam. |
| Pimozide | A psychotropic drug that has almost the same effect as Haloperidol, but over a longer period of time | Pimozide is used for the most severe forms of primary nervous tics, when there are no effects from the use of Diazepam and Phenazepam. The dosage is selected by the attending physician. |
Treatment of hereditary nervous tics
Treatment of tics associated with Tourette's disease uses the same techniques as those used to treat primary tics. But drug therapy comes to the fore.Drugs used to treat hereditary nervous tics:*
| Drug name | Description | Directions for use and doses** |
| Haloperidol | Usually the drug is taken in a dosage of 3–6 mg per day. Doses are selected by the attending physician, depending on the severity of the disease. | |
| Cyclodol | Cyclodol is used as an addition to Haloperidol to eliminate the risk of movement disorders. Main effects:
| Usually the drug is taken at a dosage of 1 mg per day. The dose is determined by the attending physician, depending on the severity of the disease. |
| Sulpiride (synonyms: Eglonil, Propulsin, Dogmatil, Depral) | It is a psychotropic drug. Main effects:
| The drug can be used in the form of tablets or intramuscular injections. Dosages for hereditary nervous tics:
|
| Pimozide | See above, in the description of the treatment of primary nervous tics. | For hereditary nervous tics, the drug is used in a dosage of 0.1 mg per day. The final dosage is selected by the attending physician. |
Treatment of secondary nervous tics
For secondary nervous tics in adults and children, the same treatment methods can be used as for primary ones. But the doctor’s primary task is to combat the underlying disease that led to the onset of tics.Directions for treatment for secondary nervous tics:
- For brain infections, the patient is admitted to a hospital and complex therapy is prescribed, including antibacterial or antiviral drugs.
- For brain tumors, surgical treatment is planned.
- For cerebrovascular accidents, medications are prescribed that improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and eliminate blood clots and cholesterol plaques.
- For mental illnesses, appropriate psychotropic medications are prescribed.
- For diabetes mellitus, insulin therapy is carried out to maintain blood glucose levels at optimal levels.
- Vegetative-vascular dystonia is treated with vitamins, adaptogens, and drugs that improve cerebral circulation and brain function.
Treatment of nervous tics with massage
For nervous tics, a relaxing massage has a positive effect. The masseur performs light stroking, kneading, rubbing, avoiding rough, active influences. The course usually consists of 10 sessions, after which muscle tone, blood circulation, and the state of the nervous system are normalized. This helps reduce nervous tics, and sometimes completely get rid of them. Treatment of nervous tics with acupuncture
Acupuncture, or acupuncture, is a type of treatment that came to us from Ancient China. It is believed that by inserting needles at the right points on the skin, it is possible to normalize the state of the nervous system and get rid of nervous tics. This has not yet been scientifically proven, but it has a positive effect in many patients. Some Alternative Treatments for Nervous Tics
Surgery is currently offered to treat severe tics. The doctor cuts the muscle fibers that contract most intensely. After this, the tics decrease or disappear completely. Attempts are also being made to treat nervous tics with Botox, a drug used in cosmetology. It relaxes muscle fibers and blocks their contractions.
These techniques effectively eliminate nervous tics, but they do not affect the cause of the disease, which is located in the brain. As a result, the manifestation is eliminated, but the disease continues, and negative consequences may occur in the future.
Prevention of nervous tics
| What do we have to do? | What can't you do? |
|
|
