Tic disorders in children

What are tic disorders in children?

Tic disorders cause involuntary movements that can be triggered during periods of anxiety, excitement or physical stress. Tics may vary in frequency, location and severity over the years. Typically, motor tics develop before vocal tics.

Children with tic disorders can stop from performing these movements briefly but eventually feel compelled to act on them. If tics are controlled for longer than a few seconds, the need to perform the movement grows stronger and stronger.

Tic disorders are typically diagnosed between the ages of 3 to 9 years and the symptoms last a lifetime, though they often fade in their 20s.

Risk factors

Males are impacted approximately three to four times more than females.

What are the signs and symptoms of tic disorders in children?

Symptoms of a tic disorder will typically be worse in the early teen years and include the following:

• Uncontrolled blinking

• Shoulder shrugging

• Repetitive throat-clearing or grunting

• Head bobbing or twisting

• Facial grimace with head twist and shoulder shrug

• Hopping

• Repetitive phrases, including swearing

• Self-harm

How are tic disorders in children diagnosed?

Doctors rely on observing patients and studying their medical history to diagnose a tic disorder. Doctors do not order tests outside the exam room in most cases.

To be diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, a person must have a history of at least two motor tics (movements) and one vocal tic for more than a year.

What are the causes of tic disorders in children?

Research isn’t conclusive on what causes tic disorders.

How are tic disorders in children treated?

Counseling-based therapies are used to treat some people with tic disorders. Medications can also be helpful.