Alternate Names : Tic – facial, Mimic spasm
Definition
A facial tic is a repeated spasm, often involving the eyes and muscles of the face.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Tics most often occur in children, but may last 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 of tics is unknown, but stress appears to make tics more severe.
Short-lived tics (transient tic disorder) are common in childhood.
Certain medications, such as methylphenidate (used to treat hyperactivity in children), were previously thought to cause tics in children already prone to the disorder. However, recent studies do not support this idea, and suggest that these medications can be used in children with tics who also have attention-deficit disorder (which often occurs in the same group of children).
A chronic motor tic disorder also exists. It may last for years. This form is very rare compared to the common short-lived childhood tic. Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is a separate condition in which tics are a major symptom.
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Facial tics : Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
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Facial tics : Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
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Facial tics : Treatment
Review Date : 2/13/2008
Reviewed By : Luc Jasmin, MD, PhD, Departments of Anatomy & Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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