Nervous ticks in children

[DisneyJules]

Could be generalized anxiety? I suffer from GAD and did have a few ticks similar to your son's when I was a kid. Is there anything going on in his life at the moment that could be bothering him?

 

[Jerseylicious]

Two of my kids had breathing tics off and on! I also didn't know what it was and was thinking we needed a chest x-ray or something. We were at the doctor (for another problem) and the doctor asked "So, how long has he had a breathing tic?" I was shocked and said "Is that what that is!?!?" Who knew?

My daughter is back on her breathing tic again. She first got it when she was 6 yrs old, and I took her to the pulmonary doctor and he diagnosed her with asthma. I had a feeling that was not it, and esp so when the inhaler did absolutely nothing. Now she's 11 and the breathing tic is back again. (She always has tics, just always changing) I'm glad there IS such a thing as a breathing tic. I did also take her back to her neuro just to confirm that it was a breathing tic, and he said he definitely believed that's what it was. It's scary to watch though, because she holds on to whatever's around in order to take a REALLY really deep breath, as if she's not getting enough air. I think after all this time (years), if she wasn't getting enough air, other problems would have developed. Always an adventure!!!!

 

[iwrbnd]

My daughter is back on her breathing tic again. She first got it when she was 6 yrs old, and I took her to the pulmonary doctor and he diagnosed her with asthma. I had a feeling that was not it, and esp so when the inhaler did absolutely nothing. Now she's 11 and the breathing tic is back again. (She always has tics, just always changing) I'm glad there IS such a thing as a breathing tic. I did also take her back to her neuro just to confirm that it was a breathing tic, and he said he definitely believed that's what it was. It's scary to watch though, because she holds on to whatever's around in order to take a REALLY really deep breath, as if she's not getting enough air. I think after all this time (years), if she wasn't getting enough air, other problems would have developed. Always an adventure!!!!

It must not be very common because their regular doctor thought it was medical...wanted to check for asthma (like you) get an echo of the heart, check for an ulcer...all sorts of things. Like you, I just didn't think those tests were necessary. Then my son had an appt with his psychiatrist (for ADD) and, bingo, that guy nailed it as soon as he saw it! When he said "breathing tic" it all made sense! (He already had some tics in the past) I never knew there was such a thing as a breathing tic! Years later, my daughter went through some anxiety after a funeral and developed the same tic for about 2 months. Her doctor wanted to run tests but I said "Nope, I know what this is." I think he thought I was crazy but I knew I was right! Glad to know I'm not alone! Do yours still have it? Mine only do it under stress so it's not a constant problem.

 

[Jerseylicious]

It must not be very common because their regular doctor thought it was medical...wanted to check for asthma (like you) get an echo of the heart, check for an ulcer...all sorts of things. Like you, I just didn't think those tests were necessary. Then my son had an appt with his psychiatrist (for ADD) and, bingo, that guy nailed it as soon as he saw it! When he said "breathing tic" it all made sense! (He already had some tics in the past) I never knew there was such a thing as a breathing tic! Years later, my daughter went through some anxiety after a funeral and developed the same tic for about 2 months. Her doctor wanted to run tests but I said "Nope, I know what this is." I think he thought I was crazy but I knew I was right! Glad to know I'm not alone! Do yours still have it? Mine only do it under stress so it's not a constant problem.

Currently my daughter does have her breathing tic. But, like all her tics, they come and go, and come again. Recently she did have an EKG, and an echo, just as a precaution, but those test came out perfectly normal. I was happy about that. I knew they would, but it's always nice to see it for sure. I hate the breathing tic because it really looks like she can't get any air, but then again I hate seeing all tics, because it makes me sad. But like we all discussed a few years ago on this thread, it COULD be worse for sure. There are so many other horrible diseases that we have to keep it all in perspective, as hard as that is sometimes.

 

[TaraPA]

Oh I JUST went through this! DS12 has been diagnosed by a neurologust with tourettes, but it's minor. He has had both verbal & motor tics. 2 months ago I noticed the breathing tic - just a sharp intake every few minutes - like he couldn't catch his breath, but I could tell instantly it was a tic. He injured his shoulder during a wrestling match so we went to the orthopedic doctor. DS12 was doing his breathing tic in the office & the ortho doc was alarmed. He saw on his medical history that he also has mitral valve prolapse (again, very minor case of it) and he wouldn't go any further in treating the shoulder until he was cleared by his cardiac doctor. I explained that it's a breathing tic, he had been for his annual cardiac check-up 6 months ago & all was fine.

I understand totally that the ortho doc was covering his butt, but it was still frustrating. Do you know how hard it is to get a quick appointment with a pediactric cardiologist?? All the while DS12 was in terrible pain from the shoulder injury. The cardiac doc put us on a waiting list for cancellations & we were lucky to get in within a week, because someone cancelled. The cardiologist took ONE LOOK at DS12 & said "that's a tic, there's nothing wrong with him." THANK YOU! He did the full work up anyway & just as we suspected, his oxygen flow was perfect & so was the ECG.

One thing the cardio doc also said was that he sees a lot of teen boys with the exact same tic, that play sports. He said that their heart rate rises when at practice & when participating in sports, so when they're at school or home or on downtime, those with tics feel the need to "catch up" or suck in more air. It fit DS12 to a T.

That tic is gone, lasted about 2 months. He's now back to hitting his jaw with the palm of his hand & pulling out his hair. Round & round we go, where it stops nobody knows!

 

[TaraPA]

But like we all discussed a few years ago on this thread, it COULD be worse for sure. There are so many other horrible diseases that we have to keep it all in perspective, as hard as that is sometimes.

Did anyone see the episode of The Doctors within the last 2 weeks of the boy with severe tourettes? OMG it broke my heart. I sobbed as I watched it, he had to keep rolled up towels in his mouth or he'd bite his toungue, and he was a danger to himelf 24/7. He couldn't even get a drink or go to the bathroom without having severe tics & seizures where he hurt himself. I am SO lucky I just have tics to deal with!

 

[Hillbeans]

Well, I checked the last time I posted about this, on 5/11/10 and as if I was tempting fate my DS got a whopper of a breathing tic. I can pinpoint the exact day/time it started as it was the night before DH left for a month long trip to China. I've had him at the doctor and she confirmed it's a breathing tic brought on by stress. It involves two quick deep breaths, at least once a minute, along with a cough. The last two weeks of school were really rough, since he kept having to go to the nurse because he was worrying all of his teachers. It's been about the worst one he's had and I can only hope when DH comes back for a week from China it eases up.

My daughter is back on her breathing tic again. She first got it when she was 6 yrs old, and I took her to the pulmonary doctor and he diagnosed her with asthma. I had a feeling that was not it, and esp so when the inhaler did absolutely nothing. Now she's 11 and the breathing tic is back again. (She always has tics, just always changing) I'm glad there IS such a thing as a breathing tic. I did also take her back to her neuro just to confirm that it was a breathing tic, and he said he definitely believed that's what it was. It's scary to watch though, because she holds on to whatever's around in order to take a REALLY really deep breath, as if she's not getting enough air. I think after all this time (years), if she wasn't getting enough air, other problems would have developed. Always an adventure!!!!

I can really sympathize with you. I bought an inhaler as well but the doctor ruled out asthma. This has been the one tic he's had which has caused the most problems as it is very hard to hide and all of his friends wonder what is wrong with him. How is your daughter dealing with this around her friends?

 

[friend of pooh]

How do your kids that have these tics, both verbal and nonverbal, handle school? I ask this because we have a student who has all kinds of tics. The verbal ones and the breathing ones can become a distraction for other students at times. The parents are of no help. What can we as teachers do to help him? So far I have just been ignoring it, but was wondering of there is something I should be actively be doing?

 

[pilesoflaundry]

My dd has them, has since she was about 5. She's 8 now and we have had blood work done and 2 neurologists take a look at her just in case.

They come and go, it hasn't been chronic. Most of them are in her face but lately it's her arms and hands a little bit. When we don't keep her allergies under control they are always worse and when she started a new allergy med they actually went away completely for a few weeks.

There is stress on the body causing it in some cases, it's not always actual "stress" like a nervous child. In her case it's a bit of both, she started it probably from the allergies or genetics (ocd or tic disorders in the family can cause it) and now she's self concious and upset about it, so it happens more.

I know rationally she's fine but it still worries me sometimes.

 

[pilesoflaundry]

How do your kids that have these tics, both verbal and nonverbal, handle school? I ask this because we have a student who has all kinds of tics. The verbal ones and the breathing ones can become a distraction for other students at times. The parents are of no help. What can we as teachers do to help him? So far I have just been ignoring it, but was wondering of there is something I should be actively be doing?

Sometimes the parents can't help, or there isn't anything to do. What exactly do you mean by they are no help? They only offered us 2 medication options for my dd and both of them carry such high side effects they told us they didn't want to give them to her unless the tics or jerky movements got so bad they were causing her pain or other harm.

Ignoring it is the best bet honestly, the more stressed out or upset because he's doing it the child is, the worse it will be and while I understand vocal tics are the most distracting type, the child can't help it.

My dd doesn't have vocal tics but at times my husband does. He is completely unaware until I point it out and he works hard to stop it. It's a learned behavior to control it for a small amount of time but it usually ends up causing more later. I know how irritating the can be! He only does it a few times of year when he is under severe stress.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

How do your kids that have these tics, both verbal and nonverbal, handle school? I ask this because we have a student who has all kinds of tics. The verbal ones and the breathing ones can become a distraction for other students at times. The parents are of no help. What can we as teachers do to help him? So far I have just been ignoring it, but was wondering of there is something I should be actively be doing?

Parents are no help? Like has been asked, what should they do?

Educate the other children that the tics are something that is out of his control and that we should empathize with his feelings, but it's best to ignore the actual tics. Also explain that stress can exacerbate the tics, which is another reason for not making a big deal about them.

My son's tics were not super-severe, but he handled school and the other kids very well (and continues to do so in college). We had one teasing incident with a neighbor when he was in middle school and we immediately went and talked with the other boy and his mom and the comments stopped. Education was paramount to this other boy understanding why my son did what he did. In high school my son was great about educating other kids about his TS, ignoring what could be ignored, and also making his tics something that was ok to talk about...he'd actually make jokes about them as his way of bringing the elephant out of the closet. What ended up happening was that the tics were not taboo and other kids were aware of TS.

 

[Jerseylicious]

I can really sympathize with you. I bought an inhaler as well but the doctor ruled out asthma. This has been the one tic he's had which has caused the most problems as it is very hard to hide and all of his friends wonder what is wrong with him. How is your daughter dealing with this around her friends?

Believe it or not, only a couple of her friends have ever noticed anything. When they do say something, my daughter simply says "it's just a tic", and if they don't know what a tic is, she says it's something inside her that makes her muscles move. Since she is only 11, I don't think that those couple of friends who noticed has bugged her in any way, although as she starts to get older and more conscious of her appearance, that may change.

But again, I would tell your DS to be frank, open, and nonchalant about it when his friends notice. Simply tell them the truth in a short manner. The more HE doesn't make a big deal of it or bring attention to it and kind of 'shrugs it off', the more THEY won't think anything of it either.

How do your kids that have these tics, both verbal and nonverbal, handle school? I ask this because we have a student who has all kinds of tics. The verbal ones and the breathing ones can become a distraction for other students at times. The parents are of no help. What can we as teachers do to help him? So far I have just been ignoring it, but was wondering of there is something I should be actively be doing?

I agree with Laundry....ignoring it is the best answer. The more you bring attention to a child's tics, the worse they get. If it is becoming a distraction to the class, I would tell those particular children (who seem to notice and are being distracted) what a tic is, and then leave it at that. They will get used to it. If the child who has the tic is being distracted by them or complains about them, then I would get in touch with the parent at that time. Otherwise, I'm sure the parents are aware and are just taking the 'ignoring' approach so as to not make the issue worse. If the tics are that bad, however, I as a parent would have contacted you about them to give you a heads-up about it.

 

[Minnie824]

I remembered posting on this thread awhile ago (can't believe its been 3 years) due to my tics as a child. Now, I'm posting because I'm worried about my DD. She's 6 and I just started noticing things. No one else notices, not even DH or my parents or my other DD who are all around her alot, but because I grew up with it, I'm thinking she's starting them. She started a few weeks ago where she'd scrunch up her eyes. This was at the start of our vacation and lasted a couple days. Then she'd do this weird walk thing. Hard to explain, but I noticed. Then she went to sniffing. She still does that once in awhile, but the past day or so she's been clearing her throat. And she smells things all the time. I never would have associated that one, but I saw a previous posted mentioned that. I know I need to ignored the things, and hope they'll pass, and I think now she's nervous cuz she's starting 1st grade tomorrow and the stress is making it worse. I just didn't want my kids to have to go thru what I did. Anyway, just wanted to share, since I remembered that thread and knew it was somewhere I could post where others had similar experiences.

 

[TaraPA]

Hi Minnie824! The start of kindergarten was the exact time I 1st noticed tics in DS (now 13). The doc said starting of school is the biggest trigger he sees in his patients that tic. So have no fear, this is normal. It's hard to watch, especially if you've gone through it yourself, because you know more may be to come.

I took DS13 for an Upper GI test today & he was tic-ing like CRAZY in that waiting room. Tapping his foot, cracking his knuckles over & over & over, twitching his eyes, hitting his jaw with his palm, etc. I just ignored it & he got it all out & he stopped as soon as we were on the way out the door of the hospital. I've come to realize this is "our" normal, and for once it didn't bother me one bit that he was tic-ing. He jut had to get that anxiety out somehow!

 

[TaraPA]

Hi Minnie824! The start of kindergarten was the exact time I 1st noticed tics in DS (now 13). The doc said starting of school is the biggest trigger he sees in his patients that tic. So have no fear, this is normal. It's hard to watch, especially if you've gone through it yourself, because you know more may be to come.

I took DS13 for an Upper GI test today & he was tic-ing like CRAZY in that waiting room. Tapping his foot, cracking his knuckles over & over & over, twitching his eyes, hitting his jaw with his palm, etc. I just ignored it & he got it all out & he stopped as soon as we were on the way out the door of the hospital. I've come to realize this is "our" normal, and for once it didn't bother me one bit that he was tic-ing. He jut had to get that anxiety out somehow!

 

[Minnie824]

Hi Thanks for the reply. Since last week when I posted DD has started twitching her neck/head. Sort of like she's flinging her hair back, but all the time. I feel so bad for her. The sniffing and coughing, people wouldn't notice as much but this is noticable. I'm not sure what to tell her. At home, I completely ignore it. I told her to just try, even if its hard to not do it at school, but I'm sure she does, and I don't know if I should have even mentioned it to her. I have to talk to her teacher soon, I guess. I did make an appt with a pediatric neurologist for mid-Sept, even though I'm pretty confident there's not much he'll do. I just read thru all the posts on here again...but if anyone has any advice on how to handle school and other people, let me know. I definitely don't make a big deal with my daughter but I'm so afraid people will start teasing her. Did anyone else's child have the neck/head twitch thing? I'll post again after our appt too.

 

[TaraPA]

Hi again Minnie!

Yes my DS13 has had a few head/neck tics, and several with his jaw. He currently has one where he slaps his jaw with the heel of his palm.

We went to a ped neuro last September & he was diagnosed with tourettes. I thought for sure they'd just say it was anxiety, I never thought tourettes. I did learn a lot about it though, and he does seem to fit the standard textbook cases of it.

No one has ever made fun of DS13, we've been lucky. The ped neuro said we don't even have to go back annually unless it becomes a social issue, then if we want to discuss meds for that reason (or if he has a tics in which he is injuring himself) we can. I have emailed his teachers in past years just giving them a heads up that he tics & that we & his doctors are aware of it, and to let me know if it becomes a distraction in the classroom. Only one teacher said they she noticed right away that he's very "impulsive" and "compulsive" and that she did constantly have to remind him to stop tapping his pencil, his foot, humming, etc. She said it had not become a distraction yet, and I never heard back from her about it after that. Another teacher once emailed back that she had 4 sons & they all had tics so she saw nothing out of the ordinary with my son. That was comforting to hear.

I have no advice for you other than just to ignore it. I understand how hard that is to do - it took me years to let it go & just let him tic in public, at home, etc. I used to be so worried about what people thought - and now I really don't care. He's my son & that's part of him & it's who he is. He's been doing it so long that all of his friends know he does it & couldn't care less.

 

[Liberty Belle]

Hi Thanks for the reply. Since last week when I posted DD has started twitching her neck/head. Sort of like she's flinging her hair back, but all the time. I feel so bad for her. The sniffing and coughing, people wouldn't notice as much but this is noticable. I'm not sure what to tell her. At home, I completely ignore it. I told her to just try, even if its hard to not do it at school, but I'm sure she does, and I don't know if I should have even mentioned it to her. I have to talk to her teacher soon, I guess. I did make an appt with a pediatric neurologist for mid-Sept, even though I'm pretty confident there's not much he'll do. I just read thru all the posts on here again...but if anyone has any advice on how to handle school and other people, let me know. I definitely don't make a big deal with my daughter but I'm so afraid people will start teasing her. Did anyone else's child have the neck/head twitch thing? I'll post again after our appt too.

We used to have a student who had that tic. His head would just jerk back almost violently, poor guy. He did it so often that his neck muscles would seize up. Massage helped him a lot, so if it gets that bad for your daughter, it's something to consider.

 

[tripletots]

I'm just subbing to this thread.

 

[keti]

Hi there, I`m new on this thread, but i`ve read all the posts. I can also say that I`m new in the "problem" since my DD5 started ticking a month ago...Well, at first it was constant hand smelling, then came also excessive blinking and lip licking, along with touching face and body. Well, it really freaked me out, I talked to some therapists and they told me not to worry unless it lasted more then a year, but it is not much of a comfort to me at all. We live a quiet life, she is a smart and happy little girl, there were no stresses around what so ever (or I didn` t notice?!), we have apsolutely NO family history of tics, Tourettes or OCD, anxiety. This might seem we`re perfect, which we surely are not, but I`m just trying to point that there are no hereditary issues in this matter. What worries me the most is that she has all this tics at the same time,well, the blinking has eased a bit, but the other ones are still there! I also wanted to thank you all for wonderful posts and eye-opening experiences that you were ready to share with others, that was comforting. If you have any suggestions for me too, I would appreciate it! All the best for all the kids!