Ever found yourself blinking rapidly without realising it?
It could be your nose or ear flicks or you suddenly clear your throat multiple times. These small, repetitive movements or sounds might seem harmless, but for some, they can be frustrating and difficult to control.
You may be sitting in an important meeting or a quiet classroom, and your eye won’t stop blinking or your head keeps jerking slightly.
Now, these are nervous tics in action.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nervous tics are sudden, repetitive, non-rhythmic movements or vocalisations that occur involuntarily.
They can range from mild and barely noticeable to more pronounced, affecting one’s daily life.
Tics are often linked to conditions such as Tourette’s syndrome but can also appear temporarily due to stress, anxiety or even fatigue. Nervous tics often begin in childhood and may decrease with age. However, they may also persist into adulthood.
While the exact cause isn’t fully understood, research suggests that a combination of genetics, brain chemistry and environmental factors contribute to their development.
Common triggers include stress and anxiety, as high-pressure situations can worsen tics. Fatigue is another major factor, as poor sleep can make tics more frequent. Stimulants like caffeine and certain medications may also aggravate symptoms, making them more persistent.
Additionally, some tics are linked to underlying neurological conditions such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or Tourette’s syndrome, which can influence their severity and frequency.
Symptoms vary from person to person but often include rapid blinking, shoulder shrugging, nose twitching, throat clearing or even repeating certain words or sounds. Tics tend to become more noticeable during moments of stress or excitement and may lessen when the person is calm or focused on a task.
While nervous tics are typically harmless, they can sometimes interfere with social interactions, work or school life. Here are four strategies to help manage them:
So, the next time you find yourself frequently blinking or repeatedly clearing your throat, don’t panic, understanding your body’s signals is the first step to taking control