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Basics

Ariane Park, MD, MPH

Andrea G. Malone, DO


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Tics are relatively brief involuntary movements (motor tics) or sounds (vocal tics) that usually are intermittent but may be repetitive and stereotypic. They fluctuate or wax and wane in frequency, intensity, and distribution. Typically tics can be volitionally suppressed, although this may require intense mental effort. Motor tics may persist during all stages of sleep. Tics typically are exacerbated by dopaminergic drugs and by CNS stimulants, including methylphenidate and cocaine.

EPIDEMIOLOGY

RISK FACTORS

Genetics

ETIOLOGY

Most of the tic disorders are idiopathic. The pathogenetic mechanisms of tics and Tourette's syndrome are unknown, but evidence supports an organic rather than psychogenic origin.

COMMONLY ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

Diagnosis

DIAGNOSIS

Tics may be simple or complex.

Simple Tics

Complex Tics

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND INTERPRETATION

Lab

Diagnosis of a tic is generally made during physical examination. If there are no other neurological findings, tics require no additional diagnostic testing. If other neurological signs or symptoms are present, further evaluation is guided by that finding.

Imaging

Diagnostic Procedures/Other

Neuropsychological testing: Patients with difficulties in the school or work setting may benefit from identification of an existing learning disorder so that adaptive strategies can be devised.

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Treatment

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

ADDITIONAL TREATMENT

General Measures

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

Symptomatic treatment

SURGERY/OTHER PROCEDURES

There are a few reports of patients with severe motor and phonic tics controlled by high-frequency deep brain stimulation

IN-PATIENT CONSIDERATIONS

Admission Criteria

Admission for management of tics is rarely necessary.

Ongoing Care

ONGOING-CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Because a medication for tics may not have any impact on obsessions or compulsions, and medications for ADHD may worsen tics in some patients, the selection of medications and combination of medications can become quite complex in a situation with associated or comorbid conditions.

PATIENT EDUCATION

PROGNOSIS

Additional Reading

SEE-ALSO

Tourette's syndrome

Codes

CODES

ICD9