What it is
There is no cure, but tics often improve in the late teens and adulthood.
Behavioural therapies such as habit reversal training and comprehensive behavioural intervention for tics (CBIT) can help. Medicines are sometimes used for severe tics.
Common signs
- Movements such as blinking, jerking the head or jumping
- Sounds such as grunting, coughing or shouting words
- An urge before a tic that is relieved by doing it
- Tics that get worse with stress or tiredness
How it is usually diagnosed
- Assessment of tics and how long they have lasted
- Specialist assessment, often by a neurologist or psychiatrist
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Specialist letters
- Therapy plans
- School support plans
- Medicine lists
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which therapy would suit my child?
- Are there related conditions we should look for?
- How can school support them?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Tics causing injury, or thoughts of self-harm: get urgent help, call 112 if in danger
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.