Facial tics

Alternative names:

mimic spasm; tic - facial

Treatment:

Transient childhood tics are not treated. Calling the child's attention to a tic may increase its severity or prolong its disappearance. A non-stressful environment is helpful in both decreasing the frequency of a tic and hastening its disappearance.

Expectations (prognosis):

Simple childhood tics can be expected to disappear spontaneously over a period of months. Chronic tics may last indefinitely.

Complications:

• usually, none

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if tics are severe, affect multiple muscle groups, or are persistent.