Son has started 'gurning' (GP?)

[michello]

Over the past 4/5 weeks my 11 year old has started dong some weird things with his face. It started by him stretching his neck and sticking his chin out and up (this lasted a week). Then he did the opposite and was bringing his chin down to his chest and tilting his head to the side (for about another week). Now he has started doing odd things with his mouth. He is twisting his mouth into funny shapes, showing his teeth and ticketing his head to the sides.

Does anyone know what may have caused him to start doing this? I'm concerned and am considering taking him to the GP but don't want to to waste their time if it's just something that will go away. How long do I leave it?

Thanks

What does he say when you ask him about it? Is he under stress?

It sounds like tics which are fairly harmless, but it's worth getting checked to put your mind at rest. Tics are usually transient so may go after a while.

Is he aware of doing it, or is he not?

If he's not just goofing around, then yes he should see the GP.

I know this might seem like an odd q, but does he wear glasses?

Sounds like tics, v common, I think esp in boys.

I did this a lot when I was a boy and my DS (10) has had spells of doing it for around 3 years now. They are tics and quite harmless for the most part but can be frustrating for the person experiencing them.

@queenofthesheds He just says that he can't help it. A lot of the time he isn't aware that he is doing it. When he started it a few weeks ago he actually hurt his neck as the movement was so exaggerated. It's a possibility that he is stressed, he has been asking questions lately about his birth father and questioning if family members are his 'real' family. I answer as honestly and as openly as I can without causing further upset for him. Is stress something that can cause this?

@JustGettingStarted No he is isn't aware that he's doing it most of the time.

@clarrylove No he doesn't wear glasses but funnily enough I hit a letter to say that he is due his eye test.

Yes, sounds v much like tics.
And may well be tied in with his asking about his birth father.

GP won't want to do any tests and there is no medical treatment as such.
Some schools offer Primary Care counselling - might this help him?

Other than that, ignore it.
Don't mention it.
It will very likely pass.

Both my sons have tics and it very much sounds like a tic.

DS1 has a neck stretching one that hurt his neck. I felt so sorry for him.

My 6 year old is ticking now as well.

For us, stress makes it worse but so does excitement. Before a holiday or end of school year etc.

Anything ‘new’ or out of routine such as Christmas or sleepover.