Tic

Definition

A tic is a repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movement or vocalization. Tics may include eye blinking, facial grimacing, shoulder shrugging, and head or shoulder jerking. Vocal tics may include repetitive coughing, clearing of the throat, coprolalia (uttering swear words), or echolalia (repeating the words or phrases of others).

Current Knowledge

Tics may be suppressed for short periods of time, but patients will report a mounting, uncomfortable sensation associated with an increasing urge to perform the tic that is relieved by performance of the tic. Frequency of tics is often increased with stress, anxiety, or discussion of the tic. They may be seen as symptoms of an underlying disorder like Tourette’s syndrome or may be related to medication use. There is an increased incidence of obsessive-compulsive disorder in patients with tic disorders.

Cross-References

• Tourette Syndrome