As a Neurologist for tics and Tourette syndrome, I help patients, especially children and teenagers, manage sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that are hard to control. If your child blinks, shrugs, or makes noises without meaning to, this page will help you understand what’s happening and how I treat it gently and effectively.
Hello, I’m Dr. Mitesh Chandarana
I’m a movement disorder specialist, and I treat many young patients with tics or Tourette Syndrome. These are conditions where the brain sends extra signals to muscles, causing sudden actions or sounds, even when the person doesn’t want to do them.
Tics are not bad habits, and they are not done on purpose. They are real, treatable conditions. My role is to support the child and family with simple steps, good advice, and the right treatment if needed.
What Are Tics?
Tics are movements that patients cannot always control. There is often an urge or need to do the movement and then a relief after the movement. Movements sometime can be suppressed briefly.
Tics are usually:
- Sudden, fast
- Repetitive and Stereotype (the same each time)
- Lack of purpose or rhythm
- Involuntary (hard to stop)
- They can be simple or complex
They can be:
- Motor tics (blinking, shrugging, head jerks)
- Vocal tics (throat clearing, grunting, sniffing)
Tics usually start in childhood, between ages 5-10. Some children have mild tics that go away, while others need help if the tics are frequent or disturbing.
What Is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette Syndrome is a type of tic disorder where both motor and vocal tics happen for more than 1 year. It’s more common in boys than girls.
Along with tics, children with Tourette’s may also have:
- ADHD (difficulty paying attention)
- OCD (repeating things or thoughts)
- Anxiety or mood swings
- Sleep problems
This is why I always look at the whole picture, not just the tics.
Common Examples of Tics I See
- Repeated blinking or eye rolling
- Shoulder shrugging
- Jerking the head or neck
- Sniffing, coughing, or throat clearing
- Touching objects or people
- Repeating words or phrases (echolalia)
- Rarely, saying socially inappropriate words (coprolalia)
The child usually feels an urge before the tic, like a tension, and a relief after doing it.
How I Diagnose Tics or Tourette Syndrome
There is no scan or blood test for tics. I diagnose it by:
- Talking to the child and parents
- Watching the tics and patterns
- Asking about school, sleep, and emotions
- Checking if the tics are affecting daily life
I take special care to explain the condition in simple words, so the child doesn’t feel scared or guilty.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Visit me if:
- The tics are frequent or strong
- They interfere with school or play
- The child is being teased or bullied
- There are behavioral or emotional changes
- You feel unsure or worried about the movements
Sometimes, mild tics go away on their own. But if they are bothering the child or family, we should take a look.
How I Treat Tics and Tourette Syndrome
1. Education & Support
First, I help the child, parents, and teachers understand that:
- Tics are not misbehavior
- They are not done intentionally
- Stress or attention can make them worse
- Ignoring or punishing doesn’t help
Often, just knowing this makes a big difference.
2. Behavioral Therapy (CBIT)
For older children and teens, I recommend a therapy called CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics). It helps the child:
- Recognize when a tic is coming
- Use a different, harmless movement instead
- Reduce the urge over time
It’s gentle and works well with family involvement.
3. Medicines (If Needed)
If the tics are severe or painful, or affecting school or social life, I may prescribe:
- Clonidine or guanfacine
- Antipsychotics (carefully selected)
- Tetrabenazine or benzodiazepines
- ADHD or OCD medicines if needed
I start with low doses and monitor progress closely.
4. Botulinum Toxin (Botox) for Tics
In some adults or teens with very strong motor tics, Botulinum Toxin injections into the overactive muscles can help relax them.
I use this only in selected cases where medicine and therapy are not enough.
5. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Very rare. Only for extremely severe, resistant Tourette syndrome in adults. I will refer for Deep Brain Stimulation(DBS) and guide carefully if needed.
How I Support Families
As a neurologist for Tourette syndrome, I know the condition affects not just the child, but the whole family.
That’s why I:
- Involve parents in every step
- Teach how to respond to tics gently
- Guide school teachers when needed
- Follow up regularly to support progress
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can my child stop the tics if they try?
Not really. They may hold it for a few seconds or minutes, but the urge becomes stronger, and they must release it, Know More.
Q2. Will my child have this forever?
Not always. Many children improve with age. Some outgrow the tics, while others manage well with support, Know More.
Q3. Will people make fun of my child?
That’s why early education and support are so important, to reduce bullying and increase confidence, Know More.
Q4. Is this a mental problem?
No. It is a neurological condition, not a mental illness. But sometimes, it comes with emotional challenges that we also treat, Know More.
Q5. Should I stop my child from doing the tic?
No. That will increase stress. Instead, we work together on gentle therapy and positive support, Know More.
Let’s Help Your Child Feel Free and Confident
If your child is blinking, twitching, or making sounds without meaning to, don’t worry. These are treatable. I’m here to support your family every step of the way.
Book Your Appointment Today
📞 Call: 8866843843
📍 Medisquare Superspeciality Hospital, Ahmedabad
