Facial Tics

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Tics most often occur in children, but may persist into adulthood in some cases. Tics occur 3 to 4 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 increase the severity of already established tics.

Short lived or transient tics are common in childhood and may appear and disappear within a matter of weeks or months (transient tic disorder). These tics often involve the eyes or facial muscles. The most commonly seen facial tics are repetitive eye blinking, squinting, wrinkling of the nose, and twitches around the mouth. Repetitive throat clearing or deep, throaty sounds or grunts may also be considered tics.

Certain medications, such as methylphenidate (used to treat hyperactivity in children), were previously thought to precipitate tics in children already prone to the disorder. However, recent studies published do not support this notion and suggest that these medications can be used in children with tics who also have attention deficit disorder, which commonly occurs in the same population.

A chronic motor tic disorder also exists. It may last for years. This form is extremely rare compared to the common short-lived childhood tic. Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is a separate condition in which tics are a predominant symptom.