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Tics mean repetitive rapid movements or sounds that occur involuntarily and a
person has no control over them. Some of the common tics include eye blinking
and throat clearing. One person can occur from several tics at once and they may
not happen together. Tourette’s Syndrome is the type of tics in which there are
both discrepancies in movements and sounds. Tics usually start between 3 and 10
years of age and they are often not a serious problem and may disappear
themselves. However, tics may get worse due to stress, anxiety, effect of some
medicines and tiredness. If a child has Tourette's syndrome, need medical
attention though many times the tics just vanish in a few months.
However, in some people, 1 or 2 tics may persist for many years and even
moderate to severe tics may remain as adults. Tourette's syndrome in children is
at its worst between the ages of 9 and 13 years and most of them outgrow it
during the teen years and early adulthood. If tics do not affect daily life, a
child may not need the treatment but medicines can help them reduce specific
symptoms in them. However, these medicines have their side effects and one
medicine does not take care of all the symptoms of Tourette's syndrome and tics
completely. Since, child has little control over tics, trying to stop them or
focusing too much on tic may just make it worse.
Parents should learn and understand about tics and Tourette's syndrome and
explain them to relatives, teachers and caregivers of the child. Understand that
your child has very little control over tics caused by Tourette's syndrome. If
you focus too much on the tics, they may get worse. In most cases, it's not
helpful to encourage your child to try to stop a tic. Your child can hold back
tics for a little while, but eventually the tics will come out. Many children
with these medical conditions may also suffer from ADHD, learning disabilities
or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Tics and Tourette’s syndrome may run in
families and it is better to get help from the doctor.
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