[Health Column] Why Children's Tics Improve and Worsen Again, and Essential Coping Strategies Parents Must Know

 

hello, Director No Chung-gu of Neuum Korean Medicine Clinic It is. 🌿
Having treated the brain and nervous development of growing children for 25 years, I most frequently encounter parents who are worried about their children's tic symptoms.

 

For a while, the blinking decreased, so you might think things have gotten better, but one day the child starts shrugging their shoulders or making sounds they hadn't made before. In the clinic, I frequently hear parents ask, “I thought they were fully recovered, but has it started again?” or “Since new symptoms have appeared, has it gotten worse?”

 

Since the type, frequency, and intensity of tics can vary over time, a resurgence after improvement is not immediately considered a worsening of the symptoms. It is more important to consider how that change affects the child's daily life, rather than focusing solely on the fact that a single visible movement has altered.

 

Today, I will summarize why a child's tic symptoms fluctuate, what changes to look for, and how best to handle them at home.

 

🌿 What this article covers
Reasons why the appearance of tic symptoms changes · Course by age · Influence of fatigue and seasons · When medical attention is needed · Coping methods at home

 

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I. Why do eye tics change their appearance?

Tic symptoms do not always manifest as the same movements or sounds. Such as blinking or shrugging the shoulders. motor tics and like a cough vocal tic It can change depending on the time period. Therefore, it is difficult to judge the overall severity based on just a single new symptom.

It is easy to assume you are fully recovered when blinking stops, but if other movements are observed, worry grows as it feels like you have returned to square one. In such cases, rather than the feeling that it has "worsened," What has changed and how It is a good idea to write it down specifically.

 

 

II. Do a child's tic symptoms decrease on their own as they grow older?

Tic symptoms in children often subside as they grow older. However, not all children improve at the same time, and in some cases, they persist into adulthood. It is difficult to predict when symptoms will disappear based on age alone. It means...

 

In response to the question, “How long should I wait?”, I first explain that the progression varies from child to child. We must consider both the possibility of improvement as the child grows and the discomfort the child is currently experiencing.

 

When consulting Time when symptoms first appeared and The process of change over time It would be helpful if you could provide that information. If you can organize details such as when and what actions were taken, and whether there were periods when they decreased, we can assess the progress much more accurately.

 

III. Can tic symptoms worsen when the child is tired or when the seasons change?

Fatigue, anxiety, tension, and excitement can affect changes in tic symptoms. However, You cannot conclude that stress is the cause based solely on the fact that tic symptoms have increased.

 

On days when symptoms are particularly pronounced, check if the child got enough sleep, if their schedule was too tight, or if they experienced any significant tension or excitement. However, it is best to avoid constantly asking the child about the cause or pointing out the symptoms in an attempt to find it.

 

I also often hear people say, “It seems like they make more noises whenever the seasons change.” However, it is difficult to attribute the cause solely to the weather based on the fact that tic symptoms appear to increase during a specific season. Changes that occur along with the changing seasons Sleep time, school schedule, discomfort in the nose or throat If you divide and record the same elements, it serves as a good reference during medical consultations.

 

IV. Should I seek treatment immediately if my tic symptoms worsen again?

Whether treatment is needed is determined not only by the frequency of symptoms. pain felt by the child class How difficult daily life is for the child We judge based on...

 

If symptoms are mild and do not interfere with daily life, we may simply monitor the progress. On the other hand, if there is pain or difficulties with school life or friendships, we recommend seeking medical attention.

 

 

V. How should I respond to my child's tic symptoms at home?

Rather than scolding or telling them to stop whenever tic symptoms appear, Reassuring the child and providing necessary help for daily life This is good. Ensure the child gets enough rest and sleep, and treat them comfortably so they do not feel embarrassed.

 

I recommend consulting with the homeroom teacher to ensure the child is not reprimanded for tic symptoms at school. This is because reactions in the places where the child spends a significant amount of time each day can have a major impact on the child's stress.

Please make brief notes on your child's behavior and avoid talking about tic symptoms during conversations with them. It is helpful to observe together “how comfortable your child was today.”

 

 

 

🍵 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. The blinking has stopped, but the shoulders shrug. Has the tic symptom worsened?

A1. Since the form of motor and vocal tics can change over time, the mere appearance of new movements does not mean that symptoms have worsened. The frequency and intensity of the tic symptoms, the discomfort the child experiences, and the impact on daily life must be examined together.

 

Q2. At what age do a child's tic symptoms disappear?

A2. While it often decreases as the child grows, the timing varies from child to child, and in some cases, it may persist into adulthood. It is important to consider the child's current level of discomfort and progression together, rather than predicting based solely on age.

 

Q3. Is it okay to tell them to stop when tic symptoms appear?

A3. It is not recommended to scold the child or demand that they stop due to tic symptoms. It is more desirable to reassure the child and help them get sufficient rest and sleep.

 

Q4. When would be a good time to visit the hospital?

A4. If your child is experiencing pain due to tic symptoms or is having difficulty with school life or relationships with friends, we recommend seeking medical attention. Taking brief notes on changes in symptoms and daily life will be helpful for the consultation.

 

🌿 Wrapping up

Fluctuations in tic symptoms that improve and then worsen again make many parents anxious, but this alone cannot be used to conclude that the symptoms are continuously deteriorating. Along with how the symptoms have changed The pain, emotional burden, and difficulties in school life felt by the child The first step is to calmly examine it.

 

If tic symptoms recur, it is helpful to look beyond the symptoms themselves and observe whether the child sleeps well, experiences frequent anxiety, and manages their learning and relationships with peers. Examining the child's various developmental areas and daily life to understand their strengths and areas requiring support is what we... Brain Balance Development This is the reason why we consider this perspective important.

 

Not all changes you are currently seeing may be a cause for concern. However, if your child experiences discomfort in their daily life, please consult with a medical professional to find a management method suitable for them. 🌿

 

📚 source
The medical content of this column was written based on tic-related health information from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the UK National Health Service (NHS).
· CDC, About Tourette Syndrome
· NHS, Tics / Tics – Treatment

 

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