Tics are stereotyped motor movement or vocalization involving groups of muscles. They are sudden, purposeless, rapid and repeated contractions of muscles.
Some of the common causes of tics are listed below:
Simple tics are a common occurrence in childhood
Simple tics commonly occur in the early childhood years. Boys are four times more likely to be suffering from tics than girls. Before doing a tic people affected by this condition usually feel an urge to do the tic like sneezing or itching. Tics are difficult to control. Once they do the tic they feel better. They can be suppressed but only for a short time and only with conscious effort. The cause of simple tics is not yet known. They disappear after three to four months and generally do not need any treatment. However, in some cases the tics may last well into adulthood. Children suffering from stress like childhood bullying or nervous anxiety are known to suffer from tics. Tics are made worse by stress or drawing the attention of the child to his tics. The symptoms of tics in children usually appear suddenly and overnight.
Tics may be associated with streptococcal infections
Streptococcal infections have been associated with the development of tics. PANDAS, is an abbreviation for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. This term is used to describe auto immune disorders or neurological tic disorders such as Tourette’s syndrome in children affected by streptococcal infections like streptococcal throat infections or scarlet fever. When a child suffers from the streptococcal infection the body develops antibodies in order to fight this infection. These antibodies fight the infection but they also attack the basal ganglia leading to the development of tics. In many cases the child suffers from streptococcal throat infections and suddenly develops tics. In other cases the existing symptoms of tics are made worse when the child is affected by streptococcal infections.
Tics can be a symptom of other disorders
Tics can also be a major symptom of other disorder such as Huntington’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, some infections, or a stroke.
Hereditary factors may be responsible in the development of tics
Tics may be caused due to hereditary factors. Research has shown that people with tics generally have a family member or a close relative also suffering from tics.
Tics can be caused as a result of some medicines and drugs
Tics can also occur as a side effect of some medications such as Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall and Tegretol.
Other rare causes of tics
Tics can also be caused as associated symptoms of disease such as thyroid disease, schizophrenia, stroke and brain damage. Tics can also be caused as a result of abuse of stimulant drugs.
Tics are aggravated by stress
Stressful conditions are known to aggravate tics in the affected people. Facial tics like blinking of eye, twitching or wrinkling of nose and shoulder shrugging are aggravated when the affected person becomes nervous or anxious.