Head Twitching

[helpmeout06]

My daughter is 9 and in the last 3 weeks I have noticed that she has been twitching her head every few minutes, I have talked to her about it, I thought it was just a habit she picked up, but she can't stop or control it, it seems to be getting worse and I'm quite upset, I am going to take her to the doctors, but I wondered if anyone could shed any light on this? I am very worried.

[Mamyalynne]

http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/ate/childrenshealth /206378.html seems its not uncommon but still see the doctor of course

[Mamyalynne]

Also i would enquire at school if anything has changed such as a new pupil or an incident, exams etc etc to see if anything is causing her stress.

[helpmeout06]

Thanks very much, there has been a change, DAD skipping the country just before Christmas may have something to do with it, she was heartbroken, my friend said it may be tic, seems that must be it

[Mamyalynne]

Of course poor girl that will be it, its a process often associated with stressful situations. See what help can be offered explain to school then am sure time and love from you will heal resolve this.

Good luck Mamya

[helpmeout06]

I'm trying to be strong for her and keep telling her it's not her fault, I feel so awful for her, I checked the netdoctor site and found another symptom of tic which she has, clearing her throat a of tic, like you said mamyalynne a lot of love and reassurance should help, thanks a bunch x

[Mamyalynne]

yes and you need to let her know that YOU are not going anywhere children can be very fearful when something like that happens.
Take care of yourselves

M x

[sara3]

my son had so many little "habits", I remember him pulling at the neckline of any top he wore.. it drove me nuts! he was a tense little boy. it took a while, but he did get over all of them.. he had a bit of counselling which he hated, but either it helped or he just grew out of them.

either way, he's an average annoying 12 year old now! I'm sure your daughter will be fine x

[SunshineCaz]

It could be Obsessive Compulsive disorder. She could be really tired :P Unlikely.

[tamborine]

So sad that children often blame themselves for parental relationship breakdowns.

[Mully79]

I had many 'tics' when I was a child. I was a very nervous child with little confidence and was also being badly bullied by my older brother. I would do the throat-clearing thing, 'clicking' my throat, a similar head/neck moving twitch and most noticably twitching my eyes and face. It was almost compulsive behaviour and in some ways involuntary. Really awful and of course the more you think about it, the worse it gets.

Unfortunately my parents just got annoyed with me (my dad used to shout at me regarding the throat clearing) and I certainly don't think that they realised what it was all about or how to deal with it. This just made it worse. Some of my 'friends', I found out, used to do impressions of me and poke fun at me behind my back.

I think you should just support your daughter as best you can. It will pass, although as an adult I sometimes get it to a lesser degree when I get stressed - I've learnt how to have some control over it. The basic thing is just do everything you can to support and understand her, it will make her feel safe and less stressed, which will lessen the symptoms. Like the previous posts, I would mention it to her teacher at school, this way you will also get further support and understanding and may nip in the bud any comments from other children.

[helpmeout06]

I feel so sad right now, she has started to make these intermittent noises, but her behaviour is good, her school work is great, she is in the top groups for everything, I feel so bitter at the moment and yet he still worries about himself (DAD that is), his own issues, where do I draw the line? I am so grateful for all of your wonderful responses, thank you so much, I have had an unconditional offer for a place at Uni, I must be doing something right for my children, just feel disappointed for her, I hope we can get through this.

[helpmeout06]

Just to let you know, my daughter no longer twitches her head, I made some changes, her dad came back to England and she has taken up some extra activities, I just want to thank you all for your answers they really helped me make some decisions, it was a tough time, but now we are through it.