Motor Tics - Transient Tic Disorder

Transient tic disorders are characterized by single or many motor tics. Tics are brief, rapid, repetitive movements often resembling nervous mannerisms.

What is going on in the body?

Tics are typically simple twitches of muscle. There is a huge range in severity. Most mild, transient tic disorders are never brought to the attention of a healthcare provider.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Transient tic disorders are more common in children. Tics are made worse by stress and usually go away during sleep.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

Signs and symptoms of tics depend on the type.

Motor tics can cause:

Vocal tics can cause:

How is the condition diagnosed?

The diagnosis of transient tic disorder is made when a person experiences the symptoms. The tic must occur every day for at least 4 weeks for the diagnosis to be made. Physical causes of tics should be ruled out.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

There is no known prevention for tics.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Transient tics tend to disappear on their own over a period of months.

What are the risks to others?

Tics are not contagious, and pose no risk to others.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Transient tics usually don't require treatment. It is recommended that family members try to ignore the tics at first, because unwanted attention may make the tics worse. If tics cause problems in school or work, behavioral therapy may be used. Medication such as clonidine and phenothiazine may be effective in suppressing tics.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

Phenothiazine may cause slow rhythmic, automatic movements known as tardive dyskinesia. Clonidine and phenothiazine may cause drowsiness and a drop in blood pressure upon standing, called orthostatic hypotension.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

The tics usually disappear over a period of months.

How is the condition monitored?

The person affected or the person's family can monitor transient tics. A healthcare provider should be notified if the tic becomes disruptive in the person's daily activities. Any other new or worsening symptoms should also be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:Tim Allen, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Wendel, Sandra J., BA
Edit Date:10/04/00
Reviewer:Gail Hendrickson, RN, BS
Date Reviewed:07/13/01

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