health problems:twitching 17 yearold so

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2006
health problems:twitching 17 yearold so
7
Sat, 12-09-2006 - 2:35am
Hi there...When my son was in the 4th grade ,entered a new school. And developed a nervous twitching. He jerked his body and blinked his eyes. I felt so awful for h im. ANd of course thought mypoor sweet boy why does this have to happen with him? It eventually went away. It returned when he was 13. Now at 17 and a senior in high school he just told me that the jerking is back. Anyone else have or have had this problem. I told him I think its from lack of sleep and stress. He tells me he isn't stressed. But it seems so wierd that it has happened again I thought he would have grown out of it. In fact i forgot all about it. He says his stomach hurts from the jerking. and that it has been going on for a couple of days. What is strange is that I haven't noticed it at home or i would have been aware ot it. He is not the best student only because he doesn't do his homework. And he just got cast in his first play a musical. We don't put demands on him or put any pressure on him. And i don't think he is gettin enough sleep. I was just curious if anyone else has had this happened with their child and what you know of this. Thanks...Its my first time here......
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 12-09-2006 - 11:37am

It sounds like his way of dealing with stress and we cant protect them from stress-make sure we are not making it worse, of course, but they do get stuck with some! Being in the play could be bringing it on at this time and he may not be self aware enough to realize he is worried or thinking it's not 'macho' to admit to it

If he gets easily stressed and is experiencing stomach pain, I would worry about an ulcer.

I think that makes this worth a visit to the doctor

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sat, 12-09-2006 - 2:28pm
I really think he should see a neurologist! I don't think this is a normal reaction to stress at all - since it doesn't happen to most people. I would definitely be concerned about some neurological problem that just gets worse during times of stress and poor sleep. I don't know ANYTHING about this field- but I'd be worrying about it being a sign of some sort of seizure disorder. I know that when my niece was put on an anti depressant at age 16 she developed kind of a twitch or tick thing for a few weeks (they were actually wondering if she'd developed Tourettes!) and she finally had a major seizure before they figured out it was the meds. I don't want to alarm you, but I'd rather be safe and cover all bases.
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-18-2005
Sat, 12-09-2006 - 6:00pm

I agree that you should see a neurologist. If the twitching is happening enough that it's bothering him, I'd want to rule out any physical or neurological cause before I said it's just stress.

I'm sure this is scary for you and for your son.

(((HUGS)))

Sue

Avatar for heartsandroses2002
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 12-10-2006 - 9:55pm

My dd17 has tourette syndrome and I have to tell you that very often tics are brought on by changes in routine, 'new' friends or events, stress, illness, etc.

I would definitely take your son to see a neurologist. If it's not tourettes, which it probably isn't - more likely a tic disorder - it can be treated with a combo of behavioral/cognitive therapy and/or meds.

My dd had a horrible stomach rolling tic back in 5th grade that caused her horribile nausea and she even threw up once. She also had a shoulder shrugging tic that caused her horrible muscle strain and pain in her neck and shoulders - she was able to get relief from our chiro.

Best of luck!

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2006
Thu, 12-14-2006 - 8:53pm
I would like to thank you and all of the others to responding. This is the first time i have used this forum. And I appreciate all of your advise.He seems to be better as 3 of his school projects are done. But I think I will notify his current doctor and ask him about it. It is just wierd that it was so many years since the last bout of it. Thank you all so much and I will be sure to let you know what they say about it. Thanks again to all of you!
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-21-2006
Fri, 12-15-2006 - 6:39am

Your son does not have a seizure disorder or Tourette's. A twitch or "tick" is most definitely caused by stress. If asked to pin down the source of the stress, the child may not even be able to tell you exactly what it is. The fact is that some children need an outlet for it and it takes this form. This is more of a born personality quirk or a nervous system glitch than anything else. Ticks come and go and yes they can cause muscle strain and make the tension much worse. The child knows that what they are doing is stupid, embarrassing and makes them feel worse, but they are unable to stop it. The key to keeping it under control is to find another way to deal with the stress. Calling attention to it all the time doesn't help. Relaxation is important. You can take your child to the doctor but I would really hesitate to put him on any drugs. A therapist might be able to get him to relax and control this himself. This "disorder" will not likely ever completely dissapear. Adults have it too. Notice the guy who can't keep his knees still while sitting, the throat clearer, the nail biter, etc. I am writing to you because I was this child and I learned to deal with it quite well. I learned how to make myself relax when I felt stressed, breathe properly, replace the twitch with a less obvious one until it all went away. Even now as an adult I may occasionally find myself blinking during a stressful period in my life. Because I am aware of it, I can relax and make it stop. I live a perfectly normal life, have wonderful children with no ticks, a career, friends, a social life, etc. People think I am a very laid back person for some reason but once in a while I can feel my stress level rising and here comes a twitch. So, bottom line is, your child is "normal", probably above average intelligence and just a little high-strung. Help him to relax, don't use drug therapy, and let him know that we "tick" people grow up to be just fine.

Deb

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2006
Sun, 12-17-2006 - 5:00am
Hi Deb thanks so much for you encouraging words. I am with you about meds for kids. Don't like them at all. When he first had this happen they did tests and pretty much said just what you said. I feel much better after reading your reply. He hasn't mentioned it to me again and honestly I don't really notice it. I didnt before he told me either so I dont think it is as extreme as it was the first time and even the second time when he was 13. He is the type that would tell me if he wanted to see a doctor about it. I told him if he feels better talking to a doctor or nurse about it let me know and i will call up for a visit. It is his last year of high school and he has some bizarre things his school expects them to do before he can graduate. ONce he finished his projects he seems to be better. I try nonchalantly to watch and see if he twitches but i think it is over with for now. But I so appreciate your kind words.Especially from someone who has been there and knows. I will post again if there is any update. Happy holidays to you and your family