Local tics in children treatment. Nervous tic in a child - what to do? Types of motor tics

The dream of any mother is a healthy, cheerful, cheerful baby. But life is preparing serious trials not only for adults, but also for children. The first visit to a kindergarten or school, interruption of the usual way of life in connection with the relocation or divorce of parents, past infectious diseases can provoke a nervous tic in a child.

It usually manifests itself in frequent blinking of the eyes, twitching of the shoulders, coughing. Despite the outward harmlessness of the disease, do not delay the visit to the neurologist and do not delay the treatment of a nervous tic in children.

The essence of the disease

A tick is a reflex contraction of one or more muscles. Nervous tics are most noticeable during times of stress. In addition to the motor tic, there is also a vocal tic. This is coughing, sniffing, grumbling. The tic occurs involuntarily and is not controlled by the child. Usually tics occur in children 3-4 and 7-8 years old. During this period, a new stage of independence occurs, most often associated with the beginning of attending children's educational institutions.

Did you know? Nervous tics are a common disease. One fifth of the children faced this problem. Tics are more common and stronger in boys than in girls.

What are the causes of nervous tics in children

The causes that caused a nervous tic in a child can be divided into:

• hereditary;
• psychological;
• physiological.

If among the closest relatives of the baby there are people suffering from nervous disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorders, with a high probability the baby may also be prone to nervous tics.
Among psychological reasons nervous tics in children:

• emotional stress associated, for example, with a transfer to another school, an important test, a quarrel with classmates;
• attention deficit parents or, conversely, excessive parental care, high expectations of parents;
• insufficient physical activity caused by excessive pursuit of the child's intellect and neglect of physical education;
• long time spent in front of the TV.

Postponed infectious diseases, decreased immunity due to intoxication of the body, for example, antibiotics or other potent substances, as well as magnesium deficiency are among the physiological causes of nervous tics in children.

Diagnosis of the disease

A neurologist can diagnose a nervous tic. However, having noticed such symptoms of a nervous tic in a child as frequent blinking of the eyes, it is necessary to show the baby and the optometrist. Since there is a large proportion of the manifestation of a nervous tic in children for psychological reasons, the treatment should be agreed with a psychologist.

In more serious cases, a psychiatrist and an epileptologist are involved in the diagnosis. An MRI or CT scan of the brain may be needed, special psychological tests are carried out.

Symptoms and classification of nervous tics in a child, complications

If your baby shudders, blinks his eyes, makes an involuntary grimace, coughs, grunts, or sniffles when he doesn't have a runny nose, he may have a tic.

In addition to symptoms, you also need to analyze whether the child has been in a stressful situation, whether his physical activity has been limited, for example, in connection with the start of school, whether he has had an infectious disease with the possible use of antibiotics. The symptoms of a nervous tic in a child are aggravated by a stressful situation.

From a medical point of view, there are 3 types of nervous tics in children:

• transient- does not last more than a year;
• chronic motor- has a duration of more than a year;
• Gilles de la Tourette syndrome.

Transient nervous tics last from several weeks to a year. They are widespread and respond well to drug treatment.
Chronic motor or vocal tics may fade and reappear. Sometimes they appear throughout life. They are much less common than transients.

Symptoms of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome appear before the age of 15 and are a combination of chronic motor and vocal tics. It can be difficult jumps, imitation of any activity, falls.

Vocal manifestations also become more complex and can be expressed as grunting, barking, and sometimes shouting swear words. The exact causes of this disease are still not known. The main reasons are heredity and psychological factors.

Treatment of a nervous tic in children

How to treat a nervous tic in a child depends on the underlying causes of this condition. If a child has a nervous tic, here is a list of simple recommendations on what to do first.

• Give your child psychological help. Talk to him about how his day went, call for a dialogue, during which you will find out his anxieties and problems. If the child had a stressful situation, figure out together how to get out of it, relieve anxiety. Remind your child of your unconditional love. Such conversations are quite enough to get rid of most transient tics.
• In the treatment of nervous tics in children, folk remedies work great - teas for the night based on soothing herbs (mint, chamomile, valerian root), coniferous and coniferous-salt baths, baths based on motherwort, valerian, sage.
• Our children lead a rich intellectual life - the requirements at school are increasing year by year. Schedule your child so that, along with mental stress, physical activities are also present in it. Well relieves emotional stress swimming and gymnastics. Doing homework is recommended after a walk in the fresh air.
• Limit TV viewing and computer time.
• Provide the baby with the necessary vitamins and minerals, especially after an infection.

If a child has chronic tics or severe heredity, then be sure to show it to specialists: a neurologist, psychologist or psychiatrist. In addition to the above recommendations, drug treatment can be used.

Preventive measures

Prevention of tics is a simple matter, but it requires constancy and patience:

• follow the regimen for the baby;
• teach the child to establish social ties in the team;
• when symptoms of a nervous tic appear, do not focus the child's attention on it;
• physical activity is extremely important;
• do not blame others for the problem, eliminate the causes of its occurrence;
• be attentive to the baby during the crucial periods of his life (the first trip to school or kindergarten, moving, changing the team).

Nervous tic in a child - video

For information on the symptoms, causes and essence of nervous tics in children, see the video. Neurologists are available to talk about the possible complications, treatment and prevention of tics. The video is accompanied by footage with examples of tic disorders in children.

Nervous tics are common. In most cases, parents can deal with the problem on their own. Attention, care and love will tell you how to cure a nervous tic in a child. Love and accept your child the way they are. The task of every parent is to raise a healthy and happy person.

Pay attention to educational methods such as:, or

Write how you overcame the baby's nervous tic, what methods were the most effective. Have you used fairy tale therapy, art therapy? Share an example of your fairy tale or a successful art therapy.

Nervous tics in a child are not uncommon, and although in a mild form they do not cause any visible harm, parents begin to worry. And not unreasonably. Most often, this neurological disorder manifests itself in uncontrolled blinking, twitching of facial muscles, and raising the eyebrows. They occur in every fifth child, accompanying the age period from 2 to 10 years, and are more often observed in boys than in girls. By adolescence, nervous tics usually go away. And although some neurologists consider tics not a pathological condition, but a property of an easily excitable and mobile nervous system inherent in bright and emotional babies, the main part of the medical community tends to believe that nervous tics require treatment and serious treatment.

Rule 1. If you notice signs of a nervous tic in a child, seek qualified medical help from a neurologist.

Nervous tics are divided into two categories:

Motor or movement tics. Spasmodically and spontaneously contract mimic and motor muscles;

There is another classification of nervous tics, according to which they are divided into:

Simple. Capture only one specific muscle group. By the way, the child can even jump involuntarily, or squat because of them;

Complex. Several muscle groups are involved at once.

Rule 2. Determine if this is a nervous tic, or obsessive movement syndrome?

Motor tics have nothing to do with constantly repetitive movements (twisting hair around a finger, biting nails, checking the closed door and turning off the lights). And although some parents independently misdiagnose their children, obsessive movements are not neurological, but purely psychological. If you want to save your child from them, a good child psychologist will help.

Rule 3. Remember that a nervous tic can "migrate"

Tics can involve different muscle groups, and it cannot be said that this is a separately started new disease. Do not be alarmed if you see new manifestations - this is just a modification of old symptoms.

Nervous tic. Reasons for its appearance in children

Rule 4. Find out the cause and, if possible, prevent re-exposure to the factor.

There can be several reasons for the occurrence of a nervous tic:

- hereditary factor

If parents suffered from nervous tics in childhood, or they were diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder, it is likely that the child will inherit these features of the nervous system of mom or dad. In addition, given the modern acceleration, the baby's symptoms may appear somewhat at an earlier age.

- constant stress

The child may just be restless. Troubles in the family, school problems, or troubles in kindergarten can make him nervous.

In a family, these are conflicts of parents or relatives, an overabundance of requirements, too much pressure on a child's fragile psyche, too much or vice versa, a lack of limiting factors. It also happens that a child suffers from a banal lack of attention. Parents who are tired after work feed, wash, put to bed, but do not emotionally participate in the child's life. Here - everything is in your hands.

- Fright or severe illness

It was noticed that in most cases of the appearance of a nervous tic, this was genetically determined, some conditions did not suit the child in the family, and the impetus for the manifestation of these two circumstances was an illness or some kind of strong fear.

- Physiological causes

It also happens that the causes of a child's tick are purely medical. These are severe diseases of the central nervous system or a lack of certain minerals, such as magnesium.

Rule 5. Determine a number of local factors of strengthening and activation of a nervous tic in a child, and, if possible, minimize their impact.

In fact, a child can stop a mild nervous tic by willpower. In addition, several factors influence the degree of its manifestation - the time of day, the overexcited emotional state of the baby, excessive TV viewing and prolonged computer games. By the way, it has been noticed that a keen and concentrated child suffers from tics much less. Find him an interesting occupation - a designer, an educational book, something that will really captivate him.

Nervous tic. Treatment - rules and methods

Treatment of nervous tics is carried out in several directions at once and consists of a complex of simple psychological and medical manipulations:

Rule 6. In every possible way show your interest in the opinion of the child, listen to him;

Rule 7. Do not let the child overexert;

Rule 8: he should have enough time to sleep, walk and study, let their life be more predictable and calm for them;

Rule 9. Most likely, there is a certain breakdown in the family, discord, which is reflected in the neurological and psychological state of the child. Understand that disharmony in the family arises for many reasons, there is no one specifically to blame, but it is vital to solve this problem.

Rule 10 If the child is of primary or secondary school age, he will benefit from psychological trainings with peers.

Rule 11, try to praise him and, if possible, show affection and care.

Rule 12. Find something to do with your child which will be interesting for you and him. It can be walking, cooking or painting.

Rule 13, do not make the child feel not normal, not healthy, not like everyone else.

Rule 14. Therapeutic massages, baths, soothing essential oils, sashimi with various aromatic herbs can help.

Rule 15. Do not forget about the calming effect of medicinal herbs. On the net you will find many recipes for decoctions of plantain, chamomile, linden, with the addition of zest or honey. There will be no harm from such pleasant and fragrant drinks, and the appearance of positive effects is quite predictable.

Useful video

Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy and happy. But no child is immune from illness. And if most mothers are ready for viral infections or colds and successfully cope with them, then a nervous tic in a beloved child can scare even very experienced parents. To help your child, restore his health and prevent complications, you need to have information about what causes a nervous tic and how to behave in this situation.

What is pathology

Nervous tics can be described as irregular, repetitive, sudden movements of certain parts of the body. In fact, this is a kind of hyperkinesis, that is, involuntary muscle contractions. During sleep, there are no obsessive movements, the child suffers from them only during wakefulness. A nervous tic may not be recognized by children or perceived as a physiological need.

Psychologists say that it is possible to stop an obsessive tic, but this is tantamount to interrupting the act of sneezing, that is, it leads to significant internal discomfort.

Tics by themselves do not cause significant inconvenience to the baby, he may not even notice them. Worried parents, seeing “abnormal” repetitive movements, most often perceive them as a bad habit and try to wean the child from it, constantly making comments or pulling. This is facilitated by the fact that several different muscle groups can be involved in the process at the same time, and this gives the pathology the appearance of purposeful and conscious movements.

By force of will, the baby is able to suppress obsessive hyperkinesis for some time. But the internal tension in such a situation grows, and after a certain time the tics return, and more pronounced.

A nervous tic is a type of hyperkinesis, involuntary muscle contractions.

According to researchers, about a quarter of all children of preschool, primary and secondary school age are prone to tics. This phenomenon is often observed at 3-4 years old and at 5-7 years old - at the stage of adaptation in preschool institutions and schools. Boys are affected about three times more often than girls. In most cases, tic hyperkinesis does not cause serious harm to health and disappear without a trace with age, so the parents of only a small part of these children seek medical help. But sometimes tics are very pronounced, appear in older adolescence and cause significant harm to the psycho-emotional and physical condition of the child.

In children under one year old, mothers often notice the so-called tremor (trembling) of the chin, limbs, lips, which is a physiological condition and eventually disappears by 3-4 months. If this did not happen and the trembling begins to be accompanied by stereotypical twitches, then we can talk about congenital pathologies of the nervous system. Then an urgent consultation of a specialist is required.

Up to two years, nervous tics are extremely rare, but if this phenomenon is present in a baby, then most likely the reason is a congenital disorder of the nervous system

The severity and duration of the course of the disease is affected by the age of the child in which it manifested. In this case, the timing of the onset of the disease often indicates its cause:

• in babies under the age of three, nervous tics indicate a serious neurological problem, usually congenital;
• From 3 to 10 years of age, children suffer from psychogenic tics, while at puberty, as a rule, regression of symptoms is observed.

Doctors say that tics are a borderline condition, so the phenomenon must be considered from the point of view of several specialists: a neurologist, pediatrician, psychologist and psychiatrist.

Video: tics in children

Classification of nervous tics in children

Nervous tics in babies have a variety of forms and manifestations. Even an experienced specialist is sometimes not able to quickly understand the situation. The classification of pathology is primarily based on the state of the child's nervous system, that is, the presence or absence of organic brain damage. In this regard, hyperkinesis is divided into primary (idiopathic or functional) and secondary.

The primacy of nervous tics is said if they are the only manifestation of nervous disorders. This type of tics usually occurs after 5 years. When hyperkinesis appears before the age of five, it is necessary to consider the option of their secondary nature, that is, against the background of another neurological disease.

Tics are motor (muscular, motor) and vocal (phonic, that is, voice).

According to the strength of manifestations, primary tics are:

• single, or local, in which only one muscle or a whole group is involved in the process, but during the entire period of the disease, it is precisely such an obsessive movement that dominates;
• multiple (common), which appear simultaneously in different muscle groups.

Both phonic and motor hyperkinesis are complex or simple.

Tics can be simple and complex, motor and vocal, sometimes combined with each other.

The generalized form is a set of complex vocal and motor tics of a common nature. Such a complex symptom manifests a hereditary pathology - Tourette's syndrome.

Tics can have different durations. In this regard, there are:

• Transient (transient) form, which can last from 2 weeks to 1 year, and then disappears without a trace. After a while, the tics may return.
• Chronic, characterized by a duration of more than a year. At the same time, hyperkinesis can be of a different nature, over time, pass in one part of the body and begin in another.

Causes of pathology

Secondary and primary tic hyperkinesias have different provoking factors. But the mechanism of development is always similar.

It is based on the insufficiency of the dopaminergic system. The subcortical nuclei (basal ganglia) and the frontal lobes, whose activity is regulated by the neurotransmitter dopamine, participate in the control of voluntary movements, maintaining muscle tone. The lack of this substance causes an increase in the activity of the basal ganglia, which entails an excess of nerve impulses. The latter are carried out to the skeletal muscles. At the points of contact between muscle and nerve fibers, acetylcholine is excessively released and uncontrolled muscle contractions occur.

The appearance of tic hyperkinesis is based on a violation of the normal functioning of the dopaminergic system.

Primary tics can be caused by various provoking factors:

• Strong psycho-emotional shocks. This is the most common cause of obsessive tics in children. The source can be both acute psychological trauma, for example, severe fear, and chronic stress: a dysfunctional family environment, insufficient parental attention, or, on the contrary, excessive control and exactingness on the part of older family members.

  An unfavorable situation in the family can provoke the appearance of a nervous tic in a child.

• Adaptation period in kindergarten or school. This is the so-called "tick of September 1". An unusual environment, new rules, a change in lifestyle, daily routine - this is always a significant shock for a child.

  Nervous shock at admission to school can provoke a nervous tic in the baby

• Wrong nutrition. The lack of magnesium and calcium in the body can lead to convulsive muscle activity, since these trace elements are involved in the process of the muscular apparatus. This item can be attributed to the passion for psychostimulants. Energy drinks, strong tea or coffee lead to the depletion of the nervous system, which can be expressed in emotional lability, irritability and nervous tics. Of course, adolescents are more likely to suffer from such manifestations.
• Constant overwork due to chronic lack of sleep, heavy study loads, prolonged work at the computer, frequent reading in a poorly lit room leads to disruption of the normal operation of the extrapyramidal system and, as a result, to tic hyperkinesis.

  Large loads lead to chronic overwork and can provoke the appearance of nervous tics.

• hereditary predisposition. If one of the parents suffered from tics, then the pathology will be transmitted to the child with a probability of 50%.

  If a close relative of the child suffered from tics, then the baby may have the same problem with a probability of 50%

Secondary tic hyperkinesis occurs against the background of existing pathologies of the nervous system. It can be:

• congenital and hereditary syndromes accompanied by disorders of the brain, such as Tourette's syndrome or Huntington's chorea;
• craniocerebral injuries, congenital and acquired;
• brain neoplasia;
• encephalitis of various origins;
• infectious lesions - cytomegalovirus, streptococcal or herpetic infection;
• poisoning with opiates, carbon dioxide;
• taking certain medications - anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antidepressants, stimulants.

Tic hyperkinesis in childhood is often accompanied by such disorders of the nervous system as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), cerebrasthenic syndrome, various phobias, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Phobias in childhood may be accompanied by tic hyperkinesis

Symptoms

Usually, nervous tics first appear in children under 11 years of age and are expressed by blinking; in a third of cases, vocal tics are observed, both separately and in combination with motor ones. Phonic tics are initially manifested by sniffing or coughing, grunting. Usually, with tic hyperkinesis, the symptoms intensify and reach a maximum at 10–12 years, then the manifestations subside. At the age of 17-18, half of all children with tics are completely free of pathology.

Manifestations of motor tics

Motor tics can be manifested by such movements:

• frequent blinking of one or both eyes;
• squinting;
• wrinkling of the forehead or nose;
• stretching or biting the lips, stretching them with a tube;
• turning the head or shaking, nodding;
• twitching of the limb or head;
• flexion of fingers, clenching and unclenching fists.

All these movements can be combined with each other.

Motor tics can be manifested by various grimaces

Signs of phonic hyperkinesis

Phonic tics manifest themselves in this way:

• sniffling or sniffling;
• slight coughing, throat clearing;
• hissing, grunting;
• snort;
• sobs, screams;
• grunt;
• squeals.

Complex tics

• active gestures;
• jumps;
• squats;
• slopes;
• compulsive touching of objects.

Phonic complex tics are manifested by repeated repetitions of certain words or syllables, phrases, in some cases even abusive ones. The child can also constantly hum a certain melody.

If complex motor and sound tic hyperkinesis are combined, then we are talking about a generalized form of pathology.

Diagnostics

A pediatric neuropathologist makes a diagnosis and deals with therapy. It is to this specialist that the child should be taken if the following factors are present:

• obsessive movements do not go away for more than a month;
• tics are very pronounced;
• have a multiple complex character;
• hyperkinesis causes serious physical inconvenience;
• the child has problems with social adaptation.

The doctor will ask the parents in detail about the onset of the disease, the main manifestations, whether the relatives had tics, whether there were stressful situations, what medications the baby takes, whether there were injuries or infections.

On examination, the following is assessed:

• the general development of the nervous system and the muscular apparatus of the child;
• motor and sensory functions;
• reflexes.

At the appointment with a neurologist, parents are interviewed and a thorough examination of the child

Of the additional surveys used:

• laboratory:
  • clinical blood test - allows you to identify the inflammatory process (high ESR, leukocytosis);
  • blood for biochemistry - helps to diagnose pathologies of internal organs that can cause brain damage and lead to hyperkinesis; pay attention to the level of cholesterol, glucose, bilirubin, various enzymes, uric acid and creatinine;
  • ionogram - determination of the level of magnesium and calcium in the blood serum;
  • examination of feces for helminth eggs;
• hardware:
  • EEG (electroencephalogram) - to determine the functional state of certain parts of the brain;
  • MRI - with suspicion of traumatic brain injury, cerebral vessels.

An electroencephalogram makes it possible to assess the functional activity of individual parts of the brain

Consultation with other specialists is often required:

• a child psychiatrist or psychologist if the tick appeared for the first time after severe stress;
• infectious disease specialist - if there is a possibility of an infectious lesion of the brain;
• toxicologist - in case of poisoning with drugs or chemicals;
• oncologist - in case of suspicion of a neoplasm of the brain;
• genetics - if tic hyperkinesis is present in relatives.

Treatment

Therapy of nervous tics may include different methods:

• lifestyle correction;
• psychological support;
• medicines;
• physiotherapy;
• folk remedies.

Non-drug methods

Non-drug methods are mainly used in the primary form of pathology or in secondary tics as part of complex treatment.

The purpose of such therapy is to restore the normal functioning of the central nervous system, metabolic processes, and normalize the psycho-emotional balance of the child. For this, a course of individual psycho-correction is carried out, work with parents is aimed at creating a calm family environment.

Psychotherapy

A course of individual psychotherapy significantly improves the emotional state of the baby, leads to the normalization of sleep, the elimination of anxiety and completely frees from tics or reduces their intensity.

Individual sessions with a psychologist or psychotherapist can completely free a child from tics

The work is also carried out with parents, who must understand that tics are not a bad habit and not pampering, but a disease. Therefore, the child cannot be scolded, punished and forced to control himself. The wrong attitude of parents to the problem can greatly aggravate it.

Particular attention should be paid to the daily regimen: the child should have enough rest and not overwork. Sleep should be of the correct duration, since it is at this time that the restoration of the nervous system occurs.

Child nutrition

A properly composed diet and diet is an integral part of the complex treatment of tics. It is advisable to teach the child to eat at certain hours, but in no case should you leave him hungry if he wants to eat ahead of time, or force him when it's time for dinner, but there is no appetite.

The main rules of nutrition are regularity, balance and usefulness, that is, food must contain all the set of nutrients, vitamins and microelements necessary for the normal growth and development of the child.

It is especially necessary to ensure that foods rich in calcium are present in the diet, because the lack of this element contributes to the appearance of tic hyperkinesis. Therefore, the menu must include:

• hard and processed cheese;
• milk, cottage cheese, sour cream;
• cabbage;
• black bread;
• dried fruits;
• black chocolate.

Dairy products as a source of calcium must be present in the children's diet

We must not forget about magnesium and glycine, which also play a significant role in neuromuscular transmission. Magnesium is found mainly in plant foods, and glycine - in protein. The diet should contain foods containing these substances:

• leafy vegetables, beets;
• bran bread;
• cereals (especially buckwheat);
• sesame, nuts;
• dried apricots;
• red fish;
• eggs;
• turkey meat, rabbit, chicken breast, veal.

Strong tea and coffee should not be offered to the child.

Therapy with drugs

If the doctor came to the conclusion that psychotherapy alone, physiotherapy and decoctions of medicinal plants are not enough, then the child is prescribed drugs, starting with the lightest ones in the minimum dosage. To combat primary and secondary tics, drugs of different groups are used, mainly sedatives, antipsychotics, which improve metabolism and blood supply to the brain.

In the treatment of primary tics, the following are used:

• sedatives (sedatives):
  • Novo-Passit, Glycine, Tenoten - relieve anxiety, improve sleep;
• nootropics:
  • Pantocalcin, Noofen, Phenibut - normalize cerebral circulation and metabolism, eliminate anxiety;
• complexes containing B vitamins, minerals:
  • Magne B6, Neuromultivit, Pentovit, calcium gluconate - optimize neuromuscular transmission, strengthen the body.

For complex tics, antipsychotics are the drugs of choice:

• Eglonil;
• Tiapride;
• Risperidone;
• pimozide;
• Fluphenazine.

These drugs are highly effective in the treatment of tics of various origins, they have anticonvulsant, analgesic, antihistamine, antiemetic, sedative, antipsychotic effects. By blocking certain processes in the brain, antipsychotics normalize neuromuscular transmission and improve the emotional state of the child. The drugs have many side effects, therefore, it is impossible to prescribe them to the child on their own, as well as violate the regimen and duration of the intake.

Drugs of other groups that can be prescribed for the treatment of tics:

• antidepressants: Prozac, Anafranil, Klominal;
• tranquilizers: Atarax, Diazepam, Relanium, Sibazon, Seduxen.

Photo gallery: medicines for the treatment of tics

Haloperidol is a neuroleptic drug of choice for complex nervous tics in children. Tenoten - a sedative to normalize sleep and emotional background in children Magne B6 - a complex preparation containing magnesium and pyridoxine, reduces the excitability of neurons and inhibits neuromuscular transmission Novopassit - a herbal preparation with a calming and relaxing effect Atarax - an anxiolytic (tranquilizer) with pronounced sedative properties Glycine (aminoacetic acid) is a regulator of metabolic processes in the central nervous system Sonapaks - antipsychotic drug for the normalization of the nervous system Calcium gluconate is necessary to replenish the level of calcium ions in the blood Pantocalcin is a nootropic agent used as part of complex therapy for extrapyramidal disorders.

Physiotherapy

Properly selected physiotherapy can significantly reduce the symptoms of the disease and improve the condition of a small patient.

Electrosleep therapy has a good effect: it calms, normalizes the emotional background, metabolism, improves blood circulation and nutrition of the brain. As a rule, 10–12 sessions of 60–90 minutes are prescribed.

Electrosleep has a positive effect on metabolic processes in the brain

The following procedures also apply:

• applications with ozocerite (mountain wax) on the collar zone;
• galvanization or iontophoresis with calcium, bromine;
• aerophytotherapy - inhalation of essential oils;
• hirudotherapy - the use of medical leeches;
• therapeutic baths with motherwort, pine needles.

A special method of magnetotherapy, transcranial stimulation of the brain, aimed at balancing the activity of all brain centers, has a high efficiency. This is a selective procedure that affects only the hyperactive areas of the brain.

Massage

Relaxing massage affects the child's body in much the same way as physiotherapy procedures: it relieves tension, improves cerebral circulation, and normalizes muscle tone. Massage of the back, head, legs is recommended. It is not recommended to massage areas prone to tics, so as not to create additional irritation and exacerbation of the disease. The course of therapeutic massage should be at least 10 sessions.

Massage with hyperkinesis is aimed at relaxing muscles, improving tissue nutrition and blood supply to the brain.

For babies, massage for the treatment and prevention of tics is prescribed from one and a half months. Procedures carried out by a specialist normalize the work of the peripheral and central nervous system. The duration of the session depends on the age of the child: up to 3 months, the procedure should last no more than 5-7 minutes, gradually it is brought up to 20 minutes. During the massage, you need to observe the behavior of the baby: if he shows concern, the session ends.

Stone therapy (massage with warm stones) is a method that is rarely used in childhood. It can be done from 7-8 years. The benefits of procedures are in effective relaxation and general strengthening of the child's body.

Video: Dr. Komarovsky about massage

Acupuncture

To normalize metabolism, improve brain nutrition, stabilize the state of the nervous system, the doctor may recommend acupuncture. The method consists in a reflex effect on biologically active points, due to which the balance of the nervous system is restored, emotional stress is relieved. Usually, reflexology is used in combination with herbal remedies that normalize neuromuscular transmission. Osteopathy

Osteopathy is widely used in the treatment of tic hyperkinesis. The osteopath does not act on the consequence of the disease (muscles), but on the very cause - through special techniques, it helps to restore cerebral circulation, reduce the activity of certain centers, and restore normal neuromuscular transmission.

Osteopathy is based on the healing effect of the doctor's hands on problem areas, due to which metabolic processes are normalized and functional disorders are eliminated.

Folk methods

Decoctions and infusions of herbs with a sedative effect have a beneficial effect on the nervous system of the child and reduce the manifestations of tic hyperkinesis.

Motherwort herb infusion:

1. Dry chopped raw materials (2 large spoons) pour boiling water (200 ml).
2. Insist 2 hours.
3. Strain through cheesecloth, squeeze.
4. Store the product for a day in a dark place at room temperature.
5. Give the child half an hour before meals three times a day for a month:
   • from 7 years - 1 teaspoon;
   • from 14 years old - 1 dessert spoon.

Valerian root - infusion:

1. Grind the root of the plant, pour a tablespoon of raw materials with hot water (250 ml).
2. Keep for 10 minutes in a water bath.
3. Filter the cooled agent through gauze.
4. Store in a cool dark place.
5. For a month, give the remedy to the child every day half an hour after meals and at bedtime, 1 teaspoon (4 times in total).

Chamomile & Mint Soothing Collection:

1. Mix 3 parts of chamomile flowers, 2 parts of mint leaves and lemon balm.
2. Brew a large spoonful of the collection with a glass of boiling water.
3. Insist 40 minutes.
4. Strain and drink the child 30–50 ml three times a day half an hour after meals.

Hawthorn infusion:

1. Dried fruits (1 tablespoon) pour boiling water (250 ml).
2. Infuse for at least 2 hours, strain.
3. Give a child over 7 years of age a tablespoon three times a day half an hour before meals.
4. Duration of admission should not exceed 3-4 weeks.

Geranium compress for tick elimination:

1. Grind fresh leaves of homemade geranium and apply to the place affected by hyperkinesis.
2. From above, attach gauze folded in several layers and wrap with a soft cloth (scarf, handkerchief).
3. Withstand the compress for 60 minutes.
4. Rinse the place where the compress is applied with warm water.
5. It is recommended to carry out such procedures 1-2 hours before bedtime during the week.

Photo gallery: herbs for the treatment of nervous tics

Chamomile infusion has a stabilizing, anti-inflammatory and soothing effect. Valerian root relieves nervous tension Fresh geranium leaves can be used as compresses for tics. Mint effectively calms the nervous system Hawthorn fruits have a pronounced sedative effect
Motherwort herb - a long-known effective sedative

The author of these lines had a chance to face the problem of increased nervousness of the child after the transition from kindergarten to school. My daughter's sleep was disturbed, she became restless and tearful. A lifesaver in this situation was a herbal pillow stuffed with dry mint, chamomile and motherwort, and lavender essential oil. A small phyto-pillow was placed at the head of the head for the whole night, and the oil was applied drop by drop to the pillowcase. A calm family atmosphere, combined with phytotherapy, did its job: within a week, the child’s sleep became calmer, anxiety disappeared and mood returned to normal.

Prognosis and consequences of pathology

Nervous tics do not pose a threat to the life of the child. If tic hyperkinesis is a consequence of an organic lesion of the brain, it is the primary disease that can be dangerous.

The prognosis depends on the form of the disease: for local tics it is favorable in 90% of cases, with widespread symptoms, complete regression of symptoms is noted in half of the cases.

Predisposition to nervous tics can be inherited. If someone in the family suffered from this disease, then it is likely that the child will have tics in the presence of provoking factors.

Tic hyperkinesis, especially in adolescence, significantly reduces the quality of life. The child may have problems with social adaptation, develop numerous complexes, which, in turn, aggravates the course of the disease even more.

A child with nervous tics may have serious problems with social adaptation.

The well-known pediatrician Komarovsky claims that nervous tics, having arisen once, most often disappear without any intervention. To prevent the phenomenon from becoming chronic, it is necessary to provide the baby with support from the family. There is always a solution, and in each case it must be individual.

Psychologist's advice to parents:

• you can not focus the child's attention on the problem of a nervous tic;
• always treat the baby as a complete person;
• maintain a calm, comfortable atmosphere at home;
• try to solve as quickly as possible problems that may cause stress in the child;
• when hyperkinesis appears, it is necessary to distract the child - by playing, drawing, dancing, any hobby - in order to create an activity zone in his brain that can drown out the pathological impulses leading to tics;
• do not delay a visit to a specialist.

Prevention of nervous tics

The main preventive measure is the exclusion of nervous strain, the maximum limitation of stress and training in the correct response to them. It is important to provide the child with proper rest, sleep, nutrition, encourage physical activity, sports, daily walks in the fresh air.

It is necessary to minimize the factors that can cause pathology:

• daily long-term TV viewing;
• computer games and the habit of listening to loud music, especially before going to bed;
• reading in low light, lying down or in transport;
• stimulating drinks, especially in the evening;
• chronic sleep deprivation.

Psycho-emotional unloading is facilitated by engaging in an interesting hobby, so it’s worth helping the child find something to his liking.

Hyperkinesis is a pathological phenomenon, which consists in sending erroneous commands by the brain to the muscular apparatus. If uncontrolled movements are repeated frequently and become fast, they speak of a nervous tic. In a child, it can be smacking, twitching eyes or shoulders, coughing. Let's try to figure out why this disease occurs and whether there are effective ways to cure it.

What causes a nervous tic in childhood

It turns out that experts still do not have accurate information about the causes of the development of obsessive movements and body jerks. At the same time, scientists came to almost a consensus on the influence of genetic and psychological factors. Intrauterine damage to the brain structures can also cause a nervous tic in a child.

Among experts, there is an opinion that most often it is possible to provoke a disease by a complex of the following factors:

1. hereditary predisposition. Often, during the examination, it turns out that relatives in a direct ascending line suffered from a similar problem.
2. Incorrect upbringing. The development of neurosis-like states is facilitated by the strictest control by parents and an uncompromising approach to building intra-family relations, a lack of trusting communication and frequent conflicts, and a prejudiced attitude towards the child.
3. Experienced stress or a complex illness. Children tend to have increased anxiety. Frequent experiences and disorders lead to the fact that the child's brain goes into a mode of constant expectation of danger, losing the ability to fully relax and recover even in a dream.

In babies under the age of one year, a tremor is often observed, in which slight twitching of the limbs, chin, and lips can occur in parallel. Crying, colic, bathing, cold can provoke a tremor in a baby. Normally, this phenomenon disappears as they grow up, by 3-4 months. If this did not happen, and in addition to everything, the baby's head also begins to twitch noticeably, a consultation with a neurologist is urgently needed.

Classification and features of the disease

Symptoms and treatment of a nervous tic in a child largely depend on the type of disease. The typology of the disease is based on several main indicators. First of all, the etiology is taken into account, that is, the root causes. They are usually psychogenic or somatic in nature. According to the duration of the course, nervous tics are distinguished as transient and chronic, and according to the severity - complex (a complex of uncontrolled movements) and simple (elementary twitches). Hyperkinesis is also distinguished by the localization of the muscles involved (limbs, facial expressions, vocal cords, eyes, etc.).

The most striking symptoms of the disease are:

• motor smacking;
• loud sniffing through the nose;
• click of the tongue;
• noisy and deep breathing;
• hissing and snorting;
• repeated utterance of curses, individual words;
• coughing;
• frowning of the forehead;
• uncontrolled shoulder movements;
• antics;
• unnatural blinking;
• twitching of limbs or head;
• pulling folds in clothes.

Even to a non-specialist, the manifestation of a nervous tic in children will be obvious. Komarovsky O.E., a well-known pediatrician, notes that such manifestations, having arisen once, can disappear without any intervention. It would be more correct to say that this is exactly what happens in most cases. To do this, it is important to provide the child with support from others, thanks to which it is possible to prevent the transformation of a pathological habit into a nervous tic. What to do if the child still has this problem? There is always a solution, but it will be purely individual for each little patient.

Often a tick appears after an infectious disease. Since the nervous tic in the predominant number of cases is a chronic disease, its symptoms may subside (for example, in the summer). Relapses in children occur in autumn and winter, which is explained by an increase in mental stress during schooling.

Complex manifestations

Obsessive movements that involve several muscle groups (legs, arms, back, abdomen, neck, limbs, face) are considered a complex form of nervous tic. At the same time, special attention should be paid to individual symptoms that manifest themselves for more than a month. First of all, we are talking about blinking. A nervous tic in a child begins with an uncontrolled movement of the eyelids. With a worsening problem, over time, lifting the shoulders, tilting or turning the head, waving the legs and arms may join this symptom. Jerking does not allow the child to concentrate on doing any homework.

The next stage in the development of complications is the occurrence of coprolalia (pronunciation of abusive words), echolalia (repetition of the same words), palilalia (slurred fast speech). It is important to note that the clinic becomes more complicated from top to bottom. Thus, the problem usually begins with the innervation of the muscles of the face, after which the tick captures the arms, shoulders, and later the torso and lower limbs join.

One form of the disease is Tourette's syndrome. For the first time this pathology was described in the nineteenth century. It has been referred to as a disease of multiple tics, which, in addition to vocal and motor movements, is characterized by obsessive-compulsive disorder on the background of attention deficit.

According to statistics, boys get sick ten times more often than girls. Traditionally, the severity of the problem is stated by a slight nervous tic of the eye in a child aged 3-7 years. Further, shudders of the body are connected to the blinking. In this case, one type of teak can be replaced by another. Coprolalia, echolalia or palilalia occurs at an older age. The peak of the disease is usually observed in patients aged 8-11 years.

A feature of a complex form of a nervous tic in a child is that the patient's consciousness is completely preserved, despite the inability to control their own movements. Jerking can cause muscle pain. This problem is especially relevant for children suffering from uncontrolled turns or tilting of the head. With such recurrent manifestations and symptoms of a nervous tic in a child, treatment takes place at home. Since during the period of exacerbation, children lose not only the opportunity to learn, but also the ability to self-service, they will not be able to attend school.

In the normal course of the disease, by the age of 12-15, the child begins the final stage. The pathological process stops, the clinical picture stabilizes - only residual signs of the disease are observed in it. Regardless of the initial causes of the twitching eyelid or corners of the mouth, shoulders, head, patients have every chance of a complete cessation of tics.

What is the essence of treatment

The therapy is based on an integrated approach, taking into account the peculiarities of the functioning of the body and the nuances of the course of the disease. In the process of compiling an anamnesis, talking with parents, the neurologist finds out the most likely causes of the development of the disease, discusses options for adjusting the educational methodology. At the initial stages of the disease, the use of drugs is out of the question.

The duration and severity of the course of the pathology is affected by the age of the patient in which the disease began to develop. He indirectly points to the cause of the disease:

• In children under three years of age, a nervous tic is a sign of a more serious illness (brain tumor, schizophrenia, autism).
• At the age of 3 to 6 years - most often the problem is psychogenic in nature, regression occurs only in adolescence.

Consequently, a nervous tic in a 5-year-old child has a favorable prognosis; in the majority of cases, the problem disappears without a trace.

Therapy at home

To eliminate the described problem in childhood, it is important to remove the provoking factors:

• Often, the severity of uncontrolled movements and twitches is minimized after the correction of the upbringing methodology.
• In addition, the mode of the day is of great importance - the child must fully rest at night and sleep during the day. However, this does not mean the introduction of a complete ban on physical activity.
• The diet should also be reviewed: it is important to eliminate high-calorie sugar-containing foods that do not bring any benefit to the body.

If a child grows up in an unfavorable psychological microclimate, it is most likely impossible to do without the help of a child psychologist. Parents should understand that it is important for their baby to get rid of internal tension. This can only be achieved through established close contact with the child. Joint crafts, applications, cleaning the apartment, making a cake, praise and affectionate communication - all this will help the little patient to calm down and become more self-confident. It is especially useful to take evening walks (in the warm season) and take a bath with relaxing essential oils.

Professional medical approach

To establish the cause of a twitching eyelid or other part of the body, the child will have to be shown to several highly specialized specialists. The neurologist is directly involved in the diagnosis. As a rule, it is possible to determine the disease after examination. Video filming of the manifestations of a nervous tic in a child at home will be especially valuable, since during communication with the doctor the clinical picture can be blurred.

In addition to a neurologist, it is advisable to show the child to a psychologist. The specialist will assess his psycho-emotional background, the ability to memorize and control impulsive behavior. You may need to consult a psychotherapist, undergo magnetic resonance imaging or an electroencephalogram.

Treatment of nervous tics in children in an unopened form is a course of corrective exercises in a group or individually. The use of medicines is resorted to only if all of the above methods turned out to be ineffective and did not give any significant results.

Medicines for nervous tics in children are prescribed by neurologists, self-medication is unacceptable. After the disappearance of the manifestations of the disease, the drugs are used for a long time (at least 6 months), then the dosage is gradually reduced until it is completely canceled.

What medicines are suitable for nervous tics

Here is a list of drugs used to treat the disease:

• Antipsychotics. Representatives of this pharmacological group have a complex effect, anesthetizing, preventing convulsions, dulling the gag reflex. These drugs include Tiaprid, Risperidone, Fluphenazine, Haloperidol, Pimozide.
• Antidepressants. These drugs are connected to therapy in the presence of neurosis, depressive and obsessive states (Prozac, Clofranil, Anafranil, Clominal).
• Vitamin and mineral complexes. Used as aids to maintain overall well-being. The most common "Pentovit", "Neuromultivit", "Apitonus P".

When prescribing drugs, the form of release is taken into account, which is of particular relevance when undergoing a long course of treatment.

Recipes of folk healers

As alternative remedies for the treatment of nervous tics, various herbal tinctures and decoctions are used. You can buy raw materials for home medicines at a pharmacy or collect them yourself. However, before giving folk remedies to children, it is imperative to consult a doctor in order to avoid unforeseen complications. Among the components that help in the treatment of nervous tics, it is worth noting herbs and roots:

• cudweed;
• thyme;
• valerian;
• chicory;
• heather.

The easiest recipe is mint and lemon balm tea. The remedy is prepared simply: for 1 cup of boiling water, you need one teaspoon of each component. Insist drinking for 10 minutes, then slightly sweeten, strain and drink half a glass in the morning and evening.

Gymnastics and massage

Treatment of nervous tics in children is often supplemented by massage and gymnastics. The effectiveness of this method of dealing with the disease depends to a greater extent on the cause that provoked the disorder.

In any case, the essence of the massage is to relax the most tense parts of the body by stroking, rubbing, kneading. Strong and sharp impacts are unacceptable, since they will only give the opposite effect, leading to the tone of the muscular apparatus.

To improve the blood supply to the brain tissues, massage the collar zone and cervical region. An underwater massaging shower does an excellent job of relieving stress.

In the treatment of children older than 6 years, they often resort to the use of Strelnikova's breathing exercises. However, the selection of a therapeutic exercise therapy complex that will change muscle tone and affect brain function is the doctor's prerogative.

The desired effect is achieved due to the biological connection between nerve endings in muscles and brain neurons - constant training of sections of this physiological circuit can change existing behavioral programs. The load is built in such a way that not only individual muscles relax, but the entire body, including the spine, hip and shoulder joints.

How to deal with a nervous tic in infants

For children under the age of one year, suffering from pathological tremor, massage is prescribed without fail. The timeliness of the measures taken will allow avoiding severe complications of the disease in the form of changes in intracranial pressure, hypocalcemia, hyperglycemia and stroke.

In order to prevent nervous tics in children, Komarovsky recommends using massage from the age of one and a half months. With its help, spasms are eliminated, the work of the central and peripheral nervous systems is normalized. However, it is preferable to contact specialists for massage, at least in the first sessions. The technique is simple, but it should be done correctly, according to the instructions. A children's massage therapist will tell you which areas of the baby's body should be avoided.

The duration of the procedure depends on the age of the baby. For children under 3 months, the session lasts no more than 5 minutes. The duration of the session should be increased over time, but it should not exceed 20 minutes. Another important criterion is the behavior of the child. If the baby behaves restlessly, the massage is stopped.

In order to prevent the development of a nervous tic in a child, it is extremely important to provide a friendly and calm environment in the family, make appropriate adjustments to the diet, exclude any products that can excite the nervous system (chocolate, black tea, sweets), limit TV viewing and computer games.

The psychological aspect is especially important - this should be remembered by all parents without exception. Listen to the opinion of the child, do not give him difficult and overwhelming tasks, do not forget to praise for good deeds, help around the house. Be more patient with your baby, engage in his development and education, and do not let the problem take its course.

A tic is an uncontrollable, repetitive muscle contraction. Outwardly, it is manifested by fast identical movements (twitching of the eye, cheek or limb, blinking, sniffing, shrugging the shoulders, etc.) or vocalization (coughing, smacking, and even pronouncing sounds and words). In children, nervous tics most often develop during critical periods: at 3-4 years old or at 7-11 years old, and boys get sick about five times more often than girls. The prognosis for a cure for this disease is very favorable, but only if the parents understand the causes of its occurrence in time and competently provide assistance to the child.

Why do nervous tics occur in children?

The immediate source of a tic is an incorrect signal periodically transmitted from the brain to the muscles. Causes of nervous tics in children can be:

• Psychological factors. In this case, the disease occurs against the background of acute stress or constant psychological discomfort. The risk of developing a psychogenic tic increases both with a lack of attention to the child, and with its excess;
• Traumatic brain injury or organic brain disease. Tics of this origin are very persistent, and their treatment is associated with the treatment of the underlying disease;
• Prolonged local irritation of tissues, for example, the eyes with conjunctivitis or the nasal mucosa with rhinitis. Initially, stereotyped movements (blinking, sniffing) arise as a way to get rid of unpleasant sensations, but do not go away immediately after recovery from the underlying disease (the so-called reflex tic);
• Hyperactivity, increased anxiety or nervousness of the child. Neurosis-like nervous tics in children are characterized by variability of symptoms and recurrent nature;
• Heredity. In children whose parents suffered from nervous tics, the disease is diagnosed more often. One type of genetically determined tic is Tourette's syndrome - a pathology in which multiple uncontrolled movements (contractions of several muscle groups) are observed, sometimes in combination with coprolalia (shouting obscene language), echolalia (repetition of other people's words) or palilalia (repetition of one own word) .

Tics also include the so-called tic-like hyperkinesis - violent movements of the face or hands that are observed in children suffering from stuttering or other speech defects. In such cases, babies help themselves to pronounce words with gestures. Often, the causes of nervous tics in children are generally difficult to determine; in such cases, they talk about the idiopathic nature of the disease.

Treatment of a nervous tic in a child

A decisive role in the fight against the disease is to determine the causes of its occurrence. Depending on this, therapy can be:

• Etiotropic (treatment of the underlying ailment in secondary tics);
• Symptomatic (getting rid of obsessive muscle contractions with the help of psychotropic drugs);
• Behavioral (psychotherapy to eliminate anxiety and tension).

When deciding on treatment, experts take into account the duration of the symptoms of a nervous tic in children. In 40% of babies, the problem disappears without any intervention within a few weeks. Symptomatic drug therapy is required only in cases where symptoms of the disease have been observed for more than 12 months.

What to do if your child has a tic

The correct behavior of parents plays a huge role in the treatment of a nervous tic in a child. Unfortunately, adults often mistake the symptoms of the disease for bad behavior and try to eliminate them with educational methods. By no means should this be done! Increased attention to the personality of the child, prohibitions or punishments fix him on the problem and make the disease more persistent. When noticing the symptoms of a nervous tic in children, parents should:

• Be calm. Anxiety and fear of adults are immediately transmitted to the baby, and the course of the disease is complicated;
• Assess and optimize the psychological situation in the family. If adults speak nervously, in raised tones, constantly dissatisfied with each other, then the child feels insecure, tense and excited. Discomfort in family relationships is an excellent soil for the occurrence and complications of psychogenic tics;
• Try not to focus the attention of the baby on the features of his condition. The less others notice the tick, the easier it is to get rid of it;
• Analyze your relationship with your child. Equally bad and dismissive (“well-fed, dressed, washed, not up to you”), and overly demanding (“you are the meaning of life and the hope of the family”) style of communication. In both cases, the baby feels uncomfortable, his level of anxiety increases, and the cure for the tic becomes problematic;
• Limit exciting activities (watching age-appropriate TV programs, computer games). It is better to give preference to walks in the fresh air, sparing sports, artistic creativity (drawing, modeling, etc.);
• Try to raise your child's self-esteem. It is necessary to hug the baby affectionately as often as possible, to praise him. The baby should feel that adults love him, appreciate him, are interested in his affairs and are proud of his success. Increasing self-confidence often becomes a decisive factor in the treatment of a nervous tic in a child;
• Seek qualified help promptly. The kid sometimes “forgets” about the disease in the process of an exciting game, and mom and dad have a false confidence that he knows how to control tick-like movements. This is not true. If the symptoms do not go away within 2-3 weeks, a consultation with a neurologist is required.

Parents should be aware that nervous tics in children have nothing to do with bad habits or provocative ("to spite the mother") behavior. Tic is an independent disease, which is the result of a serious illness or an unfavorable psychological situation. Proper behavior in the family and timely access to doctors usually help to cure the child and save him from big problems in the future.