What it is
Many tics are mild and go away on their own within a year. If someone has both motor and vocal tics for more than a year, it may be Tourette syndrome.
If tics cause problems, behavioural therapies such as habit reversal training can help. Medicines are sometimes used.
Common signs
- Repeated blinking, grimacing or shrugging
- Head jerking
- Sniffing, coughing or throat clearing
- Making noises or saying words
- An urge or uncomfortable feeling before a tic
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about the tics and how long they have lasted
- Assessment by a specialist if needed
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- GP or paediatric notes
- Neurology or psychology letters
- Therapy plans
- A tic diary
Questions to ask your doctor
- Will the tics go away?
- Would therapy help?
- How can school support my child?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Tics that cause injury, or sudden jerking movements with loss of awareness that may be seizures: get urgent help
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.