Tics

Tic Disorders, which include Tourette’s Syndrome, a neurological disorder, are characterized by vocal and motor tics. The age of onset is typically between the ages of 5 and 7 years. Males seem to be affected 3-4 times more often than females. The presence of either type of tic can have a negative impact on social, educational and occupational functioning.

Tics are defined as involuntary, repetitive and stereotyped movements and vocalizations which can be both simple (short lasting) and complex.

• Motor Tics-Examples

  Simple motor tic – eye blinking, a facial grimace or shoulder shrug.

  Complex motor tic – bending or gyrating, tapping or Copropraxia (obscene gestures).

• Vocal Tics- Examples

  Simple vocal tic – repeated throat clearing, coughing or sniffling.

  Complex vocal tic – could be Echolalia (repeating others’ words), Palilalia (repeating your own words) or Coprolalia (obscene words).

Read about Treatment of Tourette’s/ Tics