TIC DISORDERS IN CHILDREN
Tics are sudden and repetitive movements, behaviors and sounds that resemble normal behavior. A single tick can rarely last longer than a second. It can usually be seen several times, sometimes in succession. Their frequency and prominence vary. Postponement and suppression are possible for temporary periods. Some sensations felt before the tic subside after the tic. Movement tics vary from spontaneous, simple movements (such as blinking, swiping) to more complex, seemingly purposeful behaviors (such as "immodest" hand-arm movements). Vocal tics can range from an ordinary behavior such as throat clearing to meaningful words, swearing or sentences.
Tic disorders are seen as temporary or permanent tic disorders. Transient tic disorders are more common in childhood. Conditions that do not go away or are not helped by treatment are more likely to be permanent. It is more likely to be permanent, especially in those with complex tics. Persistent tic disorders mostly involve a single tic. It is frequently seen in the head, neck and face areas. Although tics are involuntary, they can be controlled from time to time. It may increase especially in distressing situations (such as before an exam, stressful life events). From time to time, tics may disappear on their own. Especially febrile diseases can increase tics. Febrile diseases may be the first cause of tics.
Tics may be familial in some cases. Mother, father or close relatives may have a history of tics. There is a possibility that temporary tics may appear at the age when they are seen in family members. Although the age of onset, treatment and course of all tics are known, the cause (physiopathology) is still unknown.
Treatment
Since tic disorders mostly occur with stressful events. And since it cannot be controlled, anti-anxiety medications are especially useful. Some medications used as allergy medications may be useful in temporary tic disorders seen in young children.
Since tics develop involuntarily, those around them should be warned about this. Tics are considered a behavior done out of spite. should not be wished. Accepting that this disorder is caused by a genetic cause and that these behaviors may occur for this reason gives relief to families. Informing teachers about this disease will prevent the child from encountering inappropriate reactions in the classroom and improve his/her situation in the classroom.
COMMON TICS AND CLASSIFICATION
1-Simple Tics (1 -They last less than 2 seconds)
a.Movement Tics
Blinking, turning up your nose, licking your lips, sudden head movements, shrugging your shoulders, playing or tapping your fingers, moving your feet shaking, hitting, bouncing, stretching at the ankle
b.Simple Vocal Tics
Coughing, sniffling, throat clearing, whistling, animal or bird sounds
2-Complex Tics (More complex, "meaningful" and lasting longer than 2 seconds)
a.Complex Movement Tics
Movement of the hand or face "expressive" movements or a slow head movement, looking "surprised" or "not understanding", touching objects or people, "pretending to count" with fingers, stepping "one forward and two back", squatting, bending and twisting movements
b.Complex Vocal Tics
Saying syllables or words, repeating swearing or bad sounds, repeating words, repeating opposite actions
Read: 0
