Tics are sudden, brief and repetitive motor movements that can include spoken words (vocalisations) and sounds.
Examples of Tic Disorders include:
Motor Tics
Motor tics are movements of the body. Examples of motor tics include blinking, shrugging the shoulders, or jerking an arm.
Vocal Tics
Vocal tics are sounds that a person makes with his or her voice. Examples of vocal tics include humming, clearing the throat, or yelling out a word or phrase.
Tics can be either simple or complex:
- Simple tics are sudden, brief and repetitive tics involving a limited number of muscle groups.
- Complex tics are distinct, coordinated patterns of movements involving several muscle groups.
Tics typically develop between 4 to 6 years of age, and peak at the age of between 10 to 12 years. Tics tend to decrease during the teenage years, and eventually most disappear on their own.
Categories of Tic Disorders
Provisional Tic Disorder
Motor and/or vocal tics have been present for less than 1 year
Persistent Tic Disorder
Motor or vocal tics have been present for more than 1 year
Tourette's Disorder
Both motor and vocal tics have been present for more than 1 year