Transient tics do not need any treatment
Tics are a common occurrence in childhood. Tics are made worse by stress or drawing the attention of the child to his tics. In such cases the tics may last for a short duration of time such as three to four months. In these cases no treatment is required and the child usually outgrows this condition.
A calm non stressful environment helps in reducing the frequency of the tics
Tics may occur when a child is facing a stressful environment as in being bullied in school or joining a new childcare center. Providing a calm, happy and non stressful environment for the child usually helps reducing the instances of tics. Reducing stress makes the tics go away and no treatment is needed. Studies have shown that tics are aggravated by a disturbed sleep or lack of sleep. Hence it is important for a person suffering from tics to get enough rest and sleep as it has a calming and relaxing effect on the mind thereby reducing the severity of tics.
Alternative treatments like counseling are also recommended for the cure of tics
Other treatments include psychological counseling and behavioral modification which may help the child manage the stressful situations and deal with his tics in a positive manner.
Medical intervention should also be considered in the treatment of tics
If the tics keep on relapsing after a short duration, or if the tics are persistent and severe and they affect many muscle groups then medical intervention should be considered by the parents or the care provider. The doctor may refer the person suffering from tics to a neurologist in order to assess the cause of tics. If tics are disabling then the health care professional may look into prescribing medications such as risperdal .Risperdal helps to control the frequency and severity of the tics. Clondine may be used as the first line of treatment for tics by some neurologists. Another drug used in the treatment for tics is tenex. Tenex helps to calm down the hyperactive behavior in children. This helps in reducing the frequency of tics.
Treating the underlying cause is important for the cure of tics
Tics may be an associated symptom of neurological disorders such as Huntington’s disease and Tourette’s syndrome. It can also be one of the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and stroke. In rare cases tics can be caused as a result of thyroid disease, schizophrenia and brain damage. Tics can also occur as a side effect of some medications such as Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall and Tegretol. So the doctor does a careful physical examination of the person suffering from tics. A history of other disorders and medication is also taken into account. Various laboratory procedures like blood and urine tests, ultrasound and X ray are performed in order to determine the exact cause of the tics. Once the underlying cause of tics is detected then it becomes easier for the health care professional to plan the treatment.