Child Neck Stretching

[Doug864]

My 4 year old son constantly moves his head in awkward stetching motions.  Some days are more persistant than others.  He says that his neck doesn't feel right and that it feels better to move it.  I've tried to an experiment and asked him try to stop but he says that he can't for very long.  But he can stop for short periods of time...a few minutes.  He has seen his pediatrician, an allergist, and a nuerologist.  The pediatricain doesn't have a diagnosis but says that he doesn't think it's something to worry about.  The allergist says that it's an allergy related itch that he doesn't know how to react from.  The nuerologist diagnoses it as Transient Tic but didn't do any testing at all so the pediatrician is having us go somewhere else.  What tests should be performed???

Thank you!

[Doug864]

Thank you for your comment.  He has had this"tic" for about 2 years now.  It has changed though.  It used to do a lot of face touching or wiping and yes it does seem to increase when he is upset or tired and cranky.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

How are you?
This seems to be some sort of tic. Tics are common in young children and usually resolve on their own after few months.
Since when does he have this tic?
They are usually seen when the child is anxious, or tired and nervous. Please remember it is not healthy to encourage your child to stop the tic. It only makes them worse.
If it continues to persist, please consult the neurologist for various treatment options.
Take care!

[Carol in PA]

Doug,
Google for information about tic and magnesium.
You may find that supplementing his magnesium helps.

Carol