Blinky and twitchy! Understanding those nervous tics

Nervous tics often begin in childhood and may decrease with age. [iStockphoto]

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:

1. Practice good sleep hygiene – Getting enough rest can significantly reduce tic frequency. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends at least 7–9 hours of sleep for adults and 9–12 hours for children to maintain optimal neurological function.
2. Create a relaxation routine – Activities such as meditation, deep breathing and light exercise can help calm the nervous system. Spending time in nature or engaging in hobbies like painting or listening to music has also been shown to reduce stress-related tics.
3. Use behavioural replacement techniques – Replacing a tic with an incompatible movement can be effective. For instance, if you have a hand-related tic, try holding a fidget toy or squeezing a stress ball to keep your hands engaged in a different action.
4. Seek professional support – If tics become severe, behavioural therapy like Cognitive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT) has been found to help many individuals gain better control. Organisations such as the Tourette Association of America and the Kenya Mental Health Policy initiative provide useful resources on tic disorders and their management.

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