nervous tic/twitch in six year old

My son has been developing a tic, or some type of twitch, where he tenses up his whold stomach.  He did it for awhile a few months ago, and then stopped.  He started again a week ago, and it seems to be getting worse by the day.  It happens in various situations, while he's relaxed and watching t.v., at mealtimes, while he's standing, or even during active times such as karate.  He says it just doesn't feel right if he doesn't do it, and at times I think he tries to stop, but at other times I don't even think he realizes he's doing.  I feel like I should call his doctor, because his peers are starting to notice, but then again, I don't want to subject him to a lot of unnecessary tests, and do not want to deal with any requests to medicate him this early in childhood either.  Any advice would be appreciated.

[Relayagain]

It is important that you see your doctor about this, as it could be any where from mild OCD to something more seriouse. They would only prescribe medicine to a six year old if he it was something seriouse enough to affect his day to day life or it was a certain condition. So you would only need to really give medicine to him if it was life threating or debilating. Check in with your doctor so you know that there is nothing seriouse going on here and learn about treatment plans that dont involve unecceray medication, ect. I hope this helps and I wish you and your son well.

[compnet]

I suggest you research magnesium deficiency + twitches, tics.

"When I changed his diet to include more magnesium rich foods and less magnesium antagonists, the tics, twitches and blinking totally cleared up in a few days."

Sources:
Wrong Planet forum.  
ctds dot info, tics section.

[mom2gnm]

Thanks for the advice, I will certainly research magnesium rich foods and antagonists too, and give it a try.  I am taking my son to AI Dupont to see a Pediatric Neurologist to try and hopefully diagnose this issue, which has not gone away....

[compnet]

Especially for kids, an easy way to try magnesium is by soaking in a tub of Epsom Salts.