Chronic motor tic disorder

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Central nervous system

Chronic vocal tic disorder; Tic - chronic motor tic disorder

• Vocalizations (grunts, throat clearing, abdominal or diaphragmatic contractions)
• Facial grimacing
• Excessive blinking
• Rapid, recurrent movement of the arms, legs, or other areas

A person can suppress (hold off) these symptoms for a small length of time. A sensation of relief is experienced when these movements have been carried out. Tics may persist during all stages of sleep, and may get worse with stress, heat, excitement, and fatigue.

A tic can usually be diagnosed during a physical examination. Tests are generally not necessary.

To be diagnosed with the disorder:

• The person must have had the tics nearly every day for more than a year
• The person has not had a tic-free period longer than 3 months

Review Date: 04/28/2006
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, M.D., Director of the Comprehensive MS Center, Neuroscience Institute, University of Florida Health Science Center, Jacksonville, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.