Facial Tic

Hi C.,
I don't think I would accept your doctor's answer on this one without the child being seen. It could be nothing, but the fact that your child seemed shocked and uncomfortable makes me question it. Is the nose spray prescription or OTC? Could there be something in there he is sensitive to? I mean, these things may all be unrelated it is just always good to look at all possible angles.
Try not to get too upset, but go with your gut and have him checked over.
Good luck with it all and God bless.

Our son also has tics. His came on suddenly when he was eight. He'd had one a few years ago that was a minor throat-clearing one and that only happened during allergy season so we didn't think much of it.

In our son's case, he's being treated for ADHD, so we were able to get rid of most of the tics by changing medications. I do know there are very mild medications that can get rid of tics if it ever reaches a point where it affects quality of life (or you're willing to try them. Tenex is one commonly used).

Otherwise, there isn't much you can do. Our son's doctor said tics first appear around 5-9, I think, and then tend to go away on their own as kids get older. However, if your son's tics get severe (our son's made it hard for him to even talk, for instance), I would talk to the doctor again to update and get new advice.

ETA: Don't worry about Tourette's unless he also has language symptoms. Must have the combo of both for it to be Tourette's.

my son has had transcient tics for several years and he has just turned 5. He heavy blinks, throat clears, coughs (some times separate, some times together). . . it is scary and makes me worried for him in school and in the future . . .

as soon as one goes, another appears . . . . i talked to his pediatrician and his therapist (long story short, my children are adopted and i had one child go home after being with us a year which took a toll on the family . . . so off to therapy) . . . tics were there prior to, but came out strong during that transition (more often and more obvious) . . . .

everyone tells me not to worry or not to dwell on it, but all i can think of is how it will affect him when other kids start pointing it out . . . or making fun . . . his birth mom heavy blinks and her hand shakes when she is anxious/stressed . . . so i think his is genetic . . . .

i just recall the doctor saying to watch him when he sleeps . . . if he doesn't do it in his sleep, it is a tic . . .

it is so hard for me not to worry for him . . . but we were told repeatedly to ignore it . . . they actually do it more when you focus on it or try to make them stop . . . .

good luck . . .

mild case of tourettes? ask his dr about it, and dont be afraid to get a second opinion :)