My ten year old daughter has had movements in her body for quite some time it gets worse when tired or excited

Question

its like a tic or a jump and worries us alot as she can sometimes seem to control it. doctors have said its a habit and nothing serious, not convinced, any ideas? also, it doesnt happen when she sleeps.

Answer 1

1) Don't panic! And don't worry. Having Tourettes is not the worst thing in the world. After spending some time in a Pediatric Neurology waiting room, I have learned to count my blessings and pray for others.

2) Over the next few months, keep a log of the tics. Nothing major, just jot down how many times a day and what part of the body. Tics are migratory, so they will change often.

3) If possible, video tape your child when the tics are obvious. We did this with our son in case the tics were not present at the prescribed day and time of the appointment.

4) Make an appointment with a Pediatric Neurologist. You will most likely have to get a referral from your regular Pediatrician. Most Neurologists have a long wait, so this will give you time to fill in your log.

Take your log, your video camera (to show the tape) and your husband with you to the Neurologist. Physicians will listen to a set of parents over a mom alone (go figure). Tourettes is diagnosed by oral history from you and observation by the Doctor. The tics and/or vocal tremors must be present for over one year for a diagnosis. There is no "one" test for Tourettes. They may recommend other tests (EEG, etc.). This will not diagnose Tourettes, but may help in ruling out other conditions.

Be persistent, if necessary with your regular doctor. Get her to a Neurologist! I had to switch doctors until someone listened and gave me the referral. You must advocate for your child. No one else will.

At home, allow her to tic without comment from others. Maintain the same love and discipline as always. Treat her as you usually would. Just don't punish her for the tics. She needs at least one safe place in the world where she is loved unconditionally!

My son is turning 12 on Saturday. He has friends, homework and chores, just like everybody else. He is treated with the same love and respect as all members of our household. He is creative, artistically gifted, plays chess, builds complex Lego sets, makes stop-motion animation movies on his iMac, and is just a great kid. I would not trade him for the world.

Blessings to you.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

There are MANY reasons for a person to exhibit 'uncontrolled, spastic' body movements. Some are serious. You should DEFINETLY take your child to a specialist.

I am 62 yrs old, and have been suffering with ESSENTIAL TREMOR since age 7!! It gets worse with age, and LITTLE can be done about it. Sometimes I cannot write because of it.

You may read more about the condition here:
www.essentialtremor.org

Answer 4

As a physical therapist, push your doctor to have your doctor examined by a PT. you can do it in a respectful manner. Tell the person that you are not convinced it isn;t anything serious and would like to see a specialist in human movement.

Abnormal movements are not always serious... but I think should be examined closer by someone who is more specialized.

Answer 5

Well she could have trouble with motor skills for one, but when you use the work tic, that reminds me of certain medications that are anit pshyicis, that will cause that. I would have her checked out by a different doctor for seceious.

Answer 6

Has anything traumatic happened in her life recently? If so this may have caused her to start this to draw attract attention, knowingly or unknowingly. Either way I hope it is nothing serious and she turns out to be fine. Good Luck!

Answer 7

Sounds like turrets, try a specialist and try teaching her better ways to relax.

Answer 8

If the doctors, plural, aren't worried, why are you?