Child Feeling Movement In Head With Hurting Neck. Felt Lump At Base Of Neck. Any Thoughts?

Posted on Sat, 13 Oct 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 13 Oct 2012 Answered on

Sat, 3 Nov 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a nine year old daughter who has recently been in the ER due to a sudden onset of head motor tics. Then we followed up with her pediatrician this past Monday. Doctor felt this was nothing to be concerned about and if they had not gone away within 6 months to bring her back. Tonight she was complaining about how all her head movements are hurting her neck. I rubbed her neck and felt a lump at the top of her spine/base of her neck? Thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Sudhir Kumar (16 minutes later)

Hi,
Thank you for contacting Healthcare magic.

Head motor tics are minor issues and resolve on their own in most cases.
If they don't resolve, one can use medications such as haloperidol, etc.

Regarding the lump at the base of neck, it may not be related to the tics.
However, in children with abnormal involuntary movements of head, tissues in the neck may become stiff, which gives the impression of a lump.

If the tics are troubling her, you may consult a Neurologist to start on one of the medications, to reduce the movements.

I hope it helps. Please get back if you have any more queries.
Best wishes,
Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) XXXXXXX consultant Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar