transient tics and/or chronic tics

[burkysmom]

Several months ago we noticed my son started excessive eye blinking. We know that my DH's brother had tics when he was a child, but grew out of them and only has excessive blinking now, so we were not concerned when my son first started the blinking.

A few months ago we noticed my son started to twitch. First with his neck, then his shoulder. It was quick and each time it was only one twitch.

We had his 5 year check-up last week and we spoke to the Dr. about the tics. He said they were transient tics and not to worry, they should go away by 3rd grade. Of course, my son did not have a single tick while we were in the office!

Now, not even one week later, they have grown worse. Tonight he could not stop the next twitches and repeated the same thing 5-7 times before he could stop. And now we are worried.

In order for this to be tourettes, he needs to also have vocal issues, which he does not have. So, I am pretty sure we are not looking that Tourettes Disorder.

I'm looking for some other moms who have dealt with transient and/or chronic tics. How bad do they get? When he repeats the same tic 5-7 times in a row, would that still be considered transient tics? Should we be taking him back into the doctor? Since going to the doctors office I read that in highly structured eviornments, such as the Dr. office, the tics subside, which is why they are hard to diagnose and probably was the reason why he didn't have any symptom when we went in and probably why the doctor thought I was being overly concerend.

Any help/feedback/suggestions are appreciated.

[deannemdm]

I would try starting a log of times and places of the tics. See if there is a pattern of times and/or places/situations that they occur. It may be emotional? Ask him what he is feeling during/after the tics. Try to find a pattern if you can to see if that could be re-created in the office for the doc. Or see about taking a video of the tics-- maybe on a phone or laptop that could be bought to appt?