Tics are gestures that an individual repeats automatically without any apparent purpose. But a tic can also present itself as an involuntary convulsive movement caused by muscle contractions. In the majority of cases, tics are hereditary and occur during childhood until the end of adolescence and disappear completely by adulthood. However, some tics have as their main source a nervous disorder whose true mechanisms researchers have not yet been able to understand. However, it has been established that taking certain types of medication can promote the appearance of a tic. There are several forms of tics, including iatrogenic tics caused by therapeutic treatments, pathological tics produced by a disease, motor tics, verbal tics and sound tics.
Symptoms
Tics can manifest themselves in different ways. Pathological tics are mainly characterized by obsessive-compulsive, verbal or auditory disorders, but can also manifest themselves in the mania for making futile gestures. Verbal tics are manifested by coprolalia, or tendency to pronounce coarse or obscene words, and may be accompanied by a tendency to exhibitionism. As for sound tics, they often result in an echolalia or mechanical repetition of a sound expected in the environment. Finally, motor tics have as their main symptoms jerky head movements, grimaces, nibbling of the lips and others. Motor tics can be accompanied by obsessive disorders.
Occasional treatments for tics
In the management of a tic, homeopathy usually offers occasional treatments in order to eliminate the various symptoms. Indeed, the majority of tics disappear on their own as soon as we reach adulthood. Thus, a disease-modifying treatment is only recommended when the disease persists. Since most symptoms are accompanied by involuntary muscle contractions, remedies such as Ignata and Cuprum Metallicum are the most prescribed in treatments. These are also indicated in cases of painful facial tics. In general, it is advisable to take 5 granules of Agaricus muscarius 9 CH twice a day for one month to reduce tics.
Reducing children's tics
As far as tics that occur during childhood are concerned, homeopathy has a number of remedies that can eliminate certain disorders. Tics that are characterized by movements of the eyes, mouth, hands and legs can be treated with Zincum Metallicum. In nervous, agitated and worm-infested children, it is recommended to administer 5 granules of Cina 15 CH per day. If the tics are accompanied by lethargy and spasm, Agaricus Muscarius may be indicated. Finally, if the tics manifest themselves as coprolalia, a treatment based on Hyoscyamus is recommended.
Treating involuntary movements
Motor tics are mainly manifested by unconscious movements. This is why remedies such as Lycopodium, China and Zincum are the most commonly used to treat them. If the tics are characterized by head movements back and forth, Sepia may be indicated. In the case of aggravation due to anxiety, a Gelsium-based treatment is indicated. Finally, when the tic is accompanied by a hysterical attack, it can be alleviated with doses of Staphysagria.
When to see a doctor?
It is generally advisable to consult a doctor or homeopath as soon as a tic represents a discomfort in everyday life. But a medical consultation is also recommended as soon as a tic persists for more than six months. If a treatment is ineffective, it is also important to go back to the doctor.
