Tics through stress
Stress is not the cause of tics, but can trigger and amplify tics. Therefore, it is important on the one hand that those affected learn how to deal with stress and on the other hand it is important that the environment does not cause additional stress. The principles of behavior of a child or adult or a highly gifted person of any age with a temporary or chronic tic include the same basic principles described there. Furthermore, an individual stress management of the person concerned is desirable.This stress management can include, among other things, relaxation techniques, body awareness exercises, movements and the creation of a balanced everyday life
Tics after a stroke
A stroke, in a specific area of the brain called the basal ganglia, can trigger tics. This often manifests itself in a one-sided involuntary slinging of arms and legs, a so-called hemiballism. The affected person cannot control these movements.
They can be mistakenly interpreted by others as an expression of aggressiveness. Here, perception training, stress management and, if necessary, homeopathic therapy or drug therapy with neuroleptics is recommended. In physio-, ergo-, and speech therapy, the tics can be treated in a targeted manner in the context of the stroke. Here, the focus should be on participation and independence in everyday life, as well as increasing the individual quality of life and integration of the relatives.
Tics in a Tourette’s syndrome
In Tourette’s syndrome one can observe different motor and vocal tics. In Tourette’s syndrome, tics often begin in childhood or young adulthood. In addition to the tics, one often observes obsessive-compulsive disorder and ADHD.
Social behavior can also be conspicuous, but does not have to be. The motor tics can be so pronounced that those affected are not able to use their hands for everyday activities. Tics are sudden, fast, repetitive movements or sounds.
They can be temporarily suppressed with growing tension. They are experienced like an inner compulsion and often have bad sensations in the affected areas of the body, which lead to the execution of the movement. The diagnosis is made by precise questioning (anamnesis) and observation of the patient over a longer period of time.
The therapy is symptomatic and often also psychotherapeutic. However, some patients learn to cope with their illness without therapy. Drug therapy with neuroleptics is only recommended in cases of extreme suffering. In many cases there is an improvement or even a complete loss of tics.
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