Having sudden movements?

What is it?

Tics are sudden, repetitive, and involuntary movements or sounds that occur repeatedly and are difficult to control. They can be motor (e.g., blinking, head jerking) or vocal (e.g., throat clearing, grunting). Tics often begin in childhood and may come and go over time. While some tics are mild and temporary, others may persist and interfere with daily life. Tics are commonly seen in conditions like Tourette Syndrome and may worsen with stress or excitement.

Prevalence and statistics

• Up to 20% of children may experience transient tics during development.

• Tourette Syndrome, a chronic tic disorder, affects about 1 in 100 school-aged children.

• Tics are more common in boys than girls (about 3–4 times more).

• Around 50% of children with Tourette's also have ADHD or OCD.

• Many tics improve or reduce in severity during adolescence or early adulthood.

  
  

How to identify?

Emotional signs –

• Anxiety or embarrassment about involuntary movements or sounds

• Emotional tension or pressure before the tic (premonitory urge)

• Frustration due to inability to suppress or control tics

Physical signs –

• Repetitive movements like eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, or head twitching

• Vocal sounds such as sniffing, throat clearing, grunting, or shouting

• Tics often increase with stress, fatigue, or excitement

Behavioural signs –

• Attempts to suppress or hide tics (may lead to tension or discomfort)

• Social withdrawal due to fear of being noticed or mocked

• Short-lived improvement when focused, followed by rebound increase

Cognitive signs –

• Constant awareness of the need to tic or suppress it

• Difficulty focusing in class or work due to tic urges

• Obsessive thoughts or compulsions (in some cases, especially with co-occurring OCD)

Common Tic-Related Terms & Experiences:

• Motor Tics – Sudden movements like blinking, grimacing, or shoulder jerks

• Vocal Tics – Sounds like throat clearing, coughing, or repeating words

• Tourette Syndrome – A condition with both motor and vocal tics for more than a year

• Premonitory Urge – A building sensation before a tic, relieved temporarily after performing it

• Transient Tics – Tics that last a few weeks or months and then disappear

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