Tics may be genetic, caused by other medical conditions or occur by themselves and can involve either movements or sounds. Those involving unintended motor movements are usually sudden, quick, recurrent and nonrhythmic and are called motor tics. When an unintended sound is involved, the action is called a phonic tic.
Motor tics, which anecdotal evidence and limited research have shown may respond to Botox, are further divided into subclassifications: jerk-like (myoclonic), sustained (dystonic), isometric contractions (tonic) and cessation of movement (blocking). Patients may be able to delay or suppress tics or be distracted from them, but that doesn’t mean they are psychological in nature, and they can often still be treated medically.
More About Botox For Tics
Phonic tics as well as motor tics may respond to treatment of the affected muscles with Botox, according to some small uncontrolled studies. There is also substantial anecdotal evidence that Botox for tics is an effective treatment. Only one carefully designed placebo-controlled study has been conducted, however, that shows effectiveness of Botox in reducing urge and frequency of motor and phonic tics.
Botox is worth trying for tics, however, because few other treatments exist. The most common treatment is a class of drugs called neuroleptics – also referred to as antipsychotics. They include risperidone, pimozide and aripiprazole, which alter brain chemicals to help control body movements. These medications can have significant side effects, however, and may not work.
Help Patients Find Solutions
A motor or phonic tic can be frustrating and make employment and socializing difficult. Botox for tics can help – but it must be administered by a well-trained, certified injector. Train with Dentox in person, online or on demand to learn about cosmetic and medical uses for Botox – and train with Dr. Howard Katz, the originator of Botox instructor. You’ll get skills that allow you to help patients who can’t be helped any other way while allowing you to secure your practice’s future too.
