Chronic motor tic disorder

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Central nervous system

Chronic vocal tic disorder; Tic - chronic motor tic disorder

Treatment depends on how bad the tics are and how the condition affects a person. Medicines and psychotherapy are used only when the tics have a substantial impact on daily activities, such as school and job performance.

Drugs used to treat tics include dopamine blockers, such as pimozide and risperidone. However, they are not always successful and can cause side effects.

Children who develop this disorder between ages 6 and 8 do very well. Symptoms may last 4 to 6 years, and then stop without treatment in early adolescence.

When the disorder begins in older children and continues into the 20s, it may become a life-long condition.

There are usually no complications.

There is usually no need to see the health care provider for a tic unless it is severe or becomes disruptive to the person's life.

If you can not tell if the movements are a tic or something more serious (such as a seizure), consult with your health care provider.

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.