These are sometimes associated with serious medical conditions, but they’re often not.
That’s especially true if your child is otherwise healthy, growing, and developing normally.
Children can have anessential tremor, which is shaking with an unknown cause.
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A condition called familial tremor is an essential tremor that affects more than one family member.
About 50% of the cases of essential tremor are thought to be resulting from a genetic risk factor.
Researchers estimate that up to 5% of people have essential tremor.
One study found they often start in kids as young as 8 years old.
Tics in Children
Tremors are different from tics.
These are sudden, uncontrollable twitches, movements, or sounds that may be repetitive.
Children commonly have tics.
Many parents worry a tic means their child has a serious condition like Tourette’s syndrome.
But they’re much more likely common to have a simple transient (passing) tic disorder.
These tics are often so subtle that other people don’t notice them.
As the name suggests, transient tics only last a short time.
Typically, that’s about three months or less.
Tics + OCD?
It could be a sign of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated withStreptococcalinfections (PANDAS).
Causes of Tremors in Children
Some tremors are because of serious illnesses.
Those tremors usually come along with other symptoms.
A physical examination that includes a neurological exam can help figure out what’s behind the unusual movements.
Some children with persistent tremors and tics see a pediatric neurologist.
However, most children with transient tics and essential or familial tremors don’t need any kind of treatment.
Rest assured, most tremors and tics in children won’t require any long-term treatment.
Relaxation therapy to reduce stress can also help.
If necessary, certain medications can reduce symptoms.
These include anticonvulsants andbeta-blockers(drugs for high blood pressure).
Summary
Tremors and tics in children are usually not associated with serious medical conditions.
Essential tremor and familial tremor are both possible and don’t involve illness or other symptoms.
Some medications can cause tremors, as well.
When tremors are resulting from serious conditions, they’re usually accompanied by other symptoms.
Tics raise concerns about Tourette’s syndrome.
Most kids with tremors and tics don’t need treatment.
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