Facial tics

Alternative names:

mimic spasm; tic - facial

Definition:

Repetitive, spasmodic movement often involving the eyes and facial muscles.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Tics most often occur in children but may persist into adulthood in some cases. Tics occur three to four times as often in boys as girls. Tics may affect as many as one-fourth of all children at some time.

The cause(s) of tics is unknown but stress appears to increase the severity of already established tics. Short lived or transient tics are common in childhood and may appear and disappear within a matter of weeks or months (transient tic disorder). These tics often involve the eyes or facial muscles. The most commonly seen facial tics are repetitive eye blinking, squinting, wrinkling of the nose, and twitches around the mouth. Repetitive throat clearing or deep throaty sounds or grunts may also be considered tics. Certain medications such as methylphenidate, used to treat hyperactivity in children, may precipitate tics in children already prone to the disorder or may worsen existing tics.

A chronic motor tic disorder also exists. It may last for years. This form is extremely rare compared to the common short-lived childhood tic. Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is a separate condition in which tics are a predominant symptom.