TIC DISORDER

What is a tic?

A tic can occur when part of the body moves repeatedly, quickly, suddenly, and uncontrollably. Some tics are vocal i.e. sounds or words that are spoken voluntarily. Some tics can be controlled voluntarily, but only for short periods. Some examples of tics include eye blinking, grunting sounds, shoulder shrugs or throat clearings.

Why did my child develop a tic?

The cause for tics is not known, but there are some patterns. Boys get them three times more often than girls. Tics often run in families. Those who are diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome have a greater chance for learning, attention and obsessive compulsive disabilities. A specific reason for why the tic appeared is usually not found.

Are tics harmful?

Most of the time tics are not harmful. The majority of children do quite well with tics. Tics do not cause brain damage, learning disorders, or other mental difficulties.

What can I do about my child’s tics?

Most of the time, no special intervention is needed. Children in general do well without any treatment. There are medications for treating tics, but they do have side effects and most health care providers avoid using them until it becomes necessary. Medications are used when the tics interfere with the child’s life. Some families have tried alternative medicine therapies such as hypnosis or acupuncture, but not all children respond.

It is important to remember that most children “grow out” of their tics by the end of puberty, although a small percentage will still have them as adults.

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette Syndrome is a collection of features one of which includes having more than one motor tic and at least one vocal tic for at period of twelve consecutive months. The child will usually have other conditions as well, including difficulty in concentrating, learning, and/or psychiatric problems. As with tics, the child cannot control these actions and should not be punished.

Patient Education Resources:

Movement Disorders
Tourette Syndrome Association

Hearle, Tracy. Children with Tourette Syndrome A Parent’s Guide. Woodbine House Inc. 1992, Rockville, MD.

Created by Jean Hayward M.D. and Keith Benziger M.D. 1999