HOMOEOPATHY FOR TIC DISORDERS

Tic disorders are characterized by the presence of tics. Tic is an abnormal involuntary movement which occurs suddenly, repetitively, rapidly, and is purposeless in nature.

This  irregular, uncontrollable, unwanted, and repetitive movements of muscles that can occur in any part of the body.

It is of two types

·        Motor tic, characterized by repetitive motor movements

·        Vocal tic, characterized by repetitive vocalizations.

Tic disorders can be either transient or chronic.

Transient tic disorders are more common in boys and can occur in 5-20 % of children. Tics are easily worsened by stressful life situations, fatigue and/or use stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine. A vast majority of these disappear by adulthood.

A special type of chronic disorder is Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome or Tourette’s disorder .

Tourette’s Disorder

Tourette’s disorder is typically characterized by:

·        Multiple motor tics.

·        Multiple vocal tics.

·        Duration of more than one year.

·        Onset usually before 11 years of age and almost always before 21 years of age.

The disorder is usually more common ( about three times ) in males and has a prevalence rate of about 0.5 per 1000 people.

Motor tics

The motor tics in Tourette’s disorder can be siple or complex.

Simple motor tics: These may include eye blinking, grimacing, shrugging of shoulders, tongue protrusion.

Complex motor tics: These are facial gestures , stamping, jumping, hitting self, squatting, twirling, echokinesis ( repetition of observed acts ), copropraxia ( obscene acts ).

Vocal Tics

The vocal tics in Tourette’s disorder can also be simple or complex.

Simple vocal tics: Simple vocal tics include coughing, barking, throat clearing, sniffing and clicking.

Complex vocal tics: These include some very characteristic , though not always present, symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome; for example, echolalia ( repetition of heard phrases ), palilalia ( repetition of heard words ). Coprolalia ( use of obscene words ).

Obscessions  and Complulsions

Obscessions and Complulsions are often the associated symptoms. These are usually the last symptoms to appear.

CAUSES

The aetiology of Tourette’s syndrome is not known but the presence of learning difficulties, neurological soft signs , hyperactivity, abnormal EEG record, abnormal evoked potentials, and abnormal CT Brain findings in some patients, point towards the biological basis.

There is some evidence to suggest that Tourette’s syndrome may be inherited as autosomal dominant disorder with variable penetrance.

RISK FACTORS

Risk factors for Tourette syndrome include:

Family history. Having a family history of Tourette syndrome or other tic disorders might increase the risk of developing Tourette syndrome.

Sex. Males are about three to four times more likely than females to develop Tourette syndrome.

COMPLICATIONS

People with Tourette syndrome often lead healthy, active lives. However, Tourette syndrome frequently involves behavioral and social challenges that can harm your self-image.

Conditions often associated with Tourette syndrome include:

·        Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

·        Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

·        Autism spectrum disorder

·        Learning disabilities

·        Sleep disorders

·        Depression

·        Anxiety disorders

·        Pain related to tics, especially headache

·        Anger-management problems

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. Its strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance at mental , emotional , spiritual and physical levels. When tic disorder is concerned there are many effective medicines are available in Homoeopathy, but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering the mental and physical symptoms.

AGARICUS MUSCARIUS: Agaricus is one of the top remedies for facial twitching . There is twitching of the eyelids and eyeballs. The facial muscles feels stiff, face itches and burns.

HYOSCYAMUS NIGER: Hyoscyamus is adapted to nervous, irritable and excitable persons. Hyoscyamus is one of the best remedies for tics where the person making grimaces and ridiculous gestures. Muscles twitch when protruding the tongue. The person constantly stares at surrounding objects. Hyoscyamus persons are erotic, expose genitals, makes obscene gestures, sings amorous songs

CUPRUM METALLICUM: Cuprum metallicum is best for eye lid twitching. Eyeballs rotate quickly behind closed lids or roll from side to side. Distorted face and chewing motion of the lower jaw.

ARGENTUM NITRICUM: Argentum niticum is suited to impulsive and hurried persons. Panics and anxiety attacks. Argentum nitricum is indicated for tics where anxiety worsens the condition.

IGNATIA AMARA: Ignatia is best adapted to oversensitive and nervous persons with changeable moods and hysterical attitudes. There is twitching of muscles of face and lips. Spasmodic clenching of the jaws. All complaints worse from emotions.

LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM: Lycopodium is indicated when twitching of face and mouth occurs when tired or stressed. Silly expression. They have a low confidence level. They are emotional, weeps all day.

ZINCUM METALLICUM: Zincum met is best suited to persons suffering from cerebral and nervous exhaustion. There is automatic motion of hands and head, or one hand and head. Twitching and jerking of single muscles.