Definition

Facial tics or mimic spasm is a form of tic, in the form of uncontrollable and repetitive movements in the face that often involve the eyes and facial muscles, such as rapid eye blinking or nose wrinkling. Tics themselves are irregular, uncontrolled, unwanted and repetitive muscle movements that can occur in any part of the body.

Tics facialis can also occur anywhere on the face, but usually occurs every time in the same place and quite often, so it can be annoying and affect the sufferer's quality of life. Although facial tics facialis usually cannot be controlled, sometimes the movements can be suppressed for a while, although this often makes the sufferer even more uncomfortable.

Facial tics are most common in childhood and are found primarily in boys rather than girls. However, in some cases, this condition can also occur in adults. Tics facialis usually do not indicate a serious medical condition, and most cases will resolve within a few months.

Causes

The exact cause of facial tics is not yet known. The onset of tics is often thought to be a change in the part of the brain that functions to control movement. Most cases of  facial tics are a symptom of several different disorders, such as:

Transient tics disorder

Transient tics disorder may be the cause of facial tics if the symptoms last for a short time. Tics may occur almost every day for more than a month but less than a year, and generally resolve without special treatment. This disorder occurs most often in children and is believed to be a mild form of Tourette's syndrome.

Transient tics disorder sufferers tend to experience an overwhelming urge to make certain movements or sounds, which may include:

• Eyes blink
• Wiggling the nostrils
• Raised eyebrows
• Open mouth
• Moving your tongue
• Cleared his throat
• Snoring

Chronic motor tic disorder

Chronic motor tic disorder is less common than transient tic disorder, but more common than Tourette's syndrome. Sufferers usually experience tics for more than a year, and there is one period where they experience the disorder for more than 3 months. Excessive blinking, grimacing, and twitching are common tics in chronic motor tic disorder.

Unlike transient tics disorder, this condition can occur during sleep. Children diagnosed with chronic motor tic disorder at ages 6 to 8 usually do not require treatment. In this age period, the symptoms may decrease and may even subside on their own.

Tourette's Syndrome

Tourette's syndrome, also known as Tourette's disorder, usually begins in childhood and appears on average at age 7. Children with this disorder may experience tics in the face, head, and arms. Tics can get worse and spread to other areas of the body as the disorder progresses. However, tics usually decrease in adulthood.

People diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome usually experience vocal tics in addition to physical tics. Vocal tics include excessive hiccuping, throat clearing, and screaming. Some people may also frequently swear or repeat words and phrases.

Risk factor

Several factors can contribute to the onset of tics facialis. These factors tend to increase the frequency and severity of tics, namely:

• Stress
• Excitement
• Fatigue
• Hot
• Stimulants (stimulants)
• Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Symptoms

Symptoms of tics facials may involve repetitive, uncontrolled spasm-like muscle movements. Examples of movements that can appear include:

• Eyes blink
• Grimace
• Mouth twitched
• Wrinkling nose
• Squinting
• Clearing your throat repeatedly
• Move your tongue
• Sucking teeth
• Raised eyebrows
• Opening and closing the mouth

Diagnosis

In diagnosing facial tics, the doctor will interview you to discuss the symptoms you are experiencing as well as risk factors for you that may be influential. Your doctor may also refer you to a psychiatrist to assess your psychological status. In addition, the doctor will try to rule out physical causes of facial tics. Your doctor may ask about other symptoms to decide whether you need further additional testing.

One supporting examination that may be carried out is an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure electrical activity in your brain. This examination can help to determine whether there is a seizure disorder that causes tic symptoms. Your doctor may also recommend an electromyography (EMG), a test that can evaluate muscle or nerve problems. This examination aims to check for conditions that cause your muscles to twitch.

Management

Management of facial tics can vary depending on the type and severity of the tic. Generally, tics, such as those caused by transient tics disorder, can disappear on their own without treatment over time. Tics that interfere with performance at school or work may require special treatment. Chronic tics that last a long time, such as those caused by Tourette's syndrome, may require more extensive treatment.

Management of Facial tics may include:

Psychotherapy

Your doctor may recommend that you consult a psychotherapist who can help you find ways to change or eliminate your tics. Behavior modification and techniques to reverse habits can help you overcome tic symptoms and improve your quality of life. This technique will teach you to identify when a tic is about to occur.

Once you can identify it, the therapist will then encourage you to try replacing the tic with a different behavior or activity. Over time, these techniques can help replace physical habits with ones that are less disruptive or that do not affect your daily functioning.

Drugs

You may receive medication to relieve tic symptoms. Usually, these drugs are prescribed by a psychiatrist and are not the first therapy given. In cases of persistent twitching or tics, a doctor may recommend Botox injections. Botox injections can paralyze facial muscles for several months, enough to stop the tics from returning. Certain medications can also help treat the underlying condition that causes the tics, such as Tourette's syndrome or ADHD.

Surgical Procedures

Some surgical methods may help in severe cases of facial tics, such as those caused by Tourette's syndrome. One surgical therapy that can be applied is deep brain stimulation. Several studies show that implanting an electrode in the brain that delivers electrical current to certain parts of the brain, can help regulate brain waves and reduce the incidence of tics. However, this still requires further research.

Manage Stress

Your doctor may also recommend some natural treatments for tics facials. Stress factors are believed to play a role in the development and onset of tics, so natural treatment will involve reducing stress in your life, such as:

• Light exercise
• Imaginative play
• Yoga
• Meditation
• Enough rest

Complications

Most cases of tics facials do not cause complications and can go away on their own. However, in some cases, tic symptoms can sometimes interfere with activities at school or work, and also affect the sufferer's quality of life.

Prevention

There is no known definite way to prevent facial tics. Reducing stress may help because the onset of tics symptoms is often influenced by high levels of stress. Sometimes, counselling can also help you or your child learn how to deal with stress.

When to see a doctor?

Often, facial tics are temporary and will go away on their own. Consult a doctor if you experience severe, persistent tics, or symptoms in many different muscle groups.