Wellbeing Ireland

Ireland's leading directory of natural therapies and alternative health clinics

Tics and Twitches

What is Tics and Twitches

These are involuntary contractions of a muscle or muscles.

What are the Symptoms of Tics and Twitches

A brief, flicking sensation confined to a small part of the body, such as the eyelid; usually indicative of a harmless involuntary muscle contraction.

A repetitive, uncontrollable, purposeless contraction of an individual muscle or group of muscles, usually in the face, arms, or shoulders.

What are the Causes of Tics and Twitches

Movements such as mouth twitching, and excessive blinking may be signs of a minor psychological disturbance. They are usually childhood afflictions and the child will normally grow out of it.

Tics or twitches are sometimes caused by neurological disorders. This condition may result from brain damage at birth, head trauma, or use of certain medications.

If you drink too much coffee, or are withdrawing from alcohol abuse, you may also experience trembling or shaking of your body or limbs.

Traditional Medical Treatments for Tics and Twitches

Tension related tics or twitches usually disappear on their own, especially if you take steps to reduce stress. If the twitching is the result of taking certain medications, speak with your doctor who may be able to switch you onto something else.

If tics are severe and persistent and there is no clear physical cause, your doctor may prescribe other medication to control it for you.

Complementaty/Alternative Treatments for Tics and Twitches

Taking hops may relieve symptoms of facial tics and twitches.