Habit Spasms.

Otago Witness, Issue 3085, 30 April 1913, Page 68

Habit Spasms.

Wo often find amongst voting children certain spasmodic movements of the muscles of the face or limbs. Perhaps it may be a twitching of the eyelids or making peculiar grimaces, or jerking of the arms. Sometimes the head id shaken and the shoulders shrugged; all these movements are especially noticed under any excitement, or emotion. Upon no account should the child be scolded for this condition, as it will only make him more nervous and increase the habit. It is a clear sign that the child’s health is not very good; he may bo out of sorts, or growing too quickly, or may have inherited his nervousness from one side of the family. The child must have no hard lessons forced upon him, he must play out of doors as much as possible, have a simple diet, and plenty of sleep. Adenoids sometimes cause these spasms, so the nose should be examined by the doctor. In other oases it may be eye defect, and probably the wearing of suitable eyeglasses will put the matter right. The glasses must, of course, be prescribed bv an oculist. Children subject to habit spasms should never bo allowed to overtax their brains by heavy school work and examinations; the life should be as quiet as possible and free from excitement. Do not expect a child to grow out of these spasmodic movements without care being t-dron to prevent

them. If the child is thin, i>alo, and easily tired, give him a course of cod-liver oil and let his food be simple and nourishing. A long stay in the country where ho could have plenty of new milk and fresh eggs would be beneficial.