Tics are sudden semi-voluntary repetitive twitches/movements or sounds involving distinct muscle groups. Tics are preceded by the build-up of some kind of tension in the body or sensation like itching/tingling that gets relieved only after a certain movement is performed. Tics can be suppressed with effort, but cannot be resisted. A suppression of tics is usually followed by bursting out of tics. On the huge list of Homeopathic medicines for tics, some well-recognized names are Agaricus Muscarius, Cuprum Met, Hyoscyamus Niger, Zincum Met, Argentum Nitricum and Veratrum album.   

Classification of tics

Tics are classified into two major types – motor tics and phonic tics. Motor tics refer to movement-based tics while phonic tics are associated with sound production. Further, motor tics can be simple motor tics or complex motor tics. Similarly, phonic tics can be simple phonic tics or complex phonic tics. In simple tics, a single muscle group is involved, while in complex tics, more than one muscle group is involved. Some examples of simple motor tics include blinking the eye, shaking of the head, neck stretching, shoulder shrugging. Common complex motor tics include touching objects, facial grimacing, pulling at clothes, repeating an action and making obscene gestures. The examples of simple phonic tics include throat clearing, coughing, sniffing and grunting. Complex phonic tics include repeating one’s own words or words just spoken by someone else, saying obscene or socially unacceptable words.

Causes of tics

The exact cause of tics is not clearly understood. Tics often run in families. Intake of drugs such as cocaine may also lead to tics. Tics may increase from stress, anxiety, sleep deprivation and fatigue. Concentrating on performing a task decreases tics while relaxing may worsen them.

Homeopathic Medicines for Tics

Tics can be treated very effectively with medicines. In fact, Homeopathy medicines work wonders on both motor and phonic tics. There is no single homeopathy medicines for treating all types of tics. The ideal medicine is selected only after analyzing case details based on symptom presentation.

Agaricus Muscarius is indicated for tics such as blinking of eyes or twitching of the head.

Cuprum Met is helpful in treating eye twitching.

Hyoscyamus Niger is best suited for treating tics like making grimaces or ridiculous gestures and where a person is impelled to touch everything. Hyoscyamus Niger, on the other hand, is the best medicine for tics where the person makes obscene gestures, touches genitals, sings amourous songs.

Zincum Met is used to treat twitching in various muscles and where a person repeats everything said to him.

Argentum Nitricum will effectively treat cases where anxiety worsens tics.

Veratrum Album is prescribed for tics that cause a person to repeat actions over and over again. It must be noted that the above symptoms are mere guidelines. Several other factors need to be considered before any of these medicines are prescribed. Therefore, self-medication must be avoided at all cost. The medicines should be taken only in consultation of a physician.