Tics and Tourettes
Tics are fast, repetitive muscle movements that result in sudden and difficult to control body jolts or sounds. They're fairly common in childhood and typically first appear at around 5 years of age. Very occasionally they can start in adulthood. Tics are not usually serious and normally improve over time. But they can be frustrating and interfere with everyday activities.
Tourette's syndrome is a term used when tics are more severe, have lasted for more than a year and have both a motor and a vocal component.
Tics are not dangerous, and most reduce spontaneously as a young person matures.
Tourette's syndrome is a term used when tics are more severe, have lasted for more than a year and have both a motor and a vocal component.
Tics are not dangerous, and most reduce spontaneously as a young person matures.
Signs and symptoms of Tics and Tourettes
Tics
There are many types of tic. Some affect body movement (motor tics) and others result in a sound (vocal or phonic tics).
Examples of tics include:
Tics can happen randomly and they may be associated with something such as stress, anxiety, tiredness, excitement or happiness. They tend to get worse if they're talked about or focused on. They often start with an unpleasant sensation that builds up in the body until relieved by the tic – known as an urge – although they can sometimes be partly suppressed.
Examples of tics include:
- Blinking, wrinkling the nose or grimacing.
- Jerking or banging the head.
- Clicking the fingers.
- Touching other people or things.
- Coughing, grunting or sniffing.
- Repeating a sound or phrase – in a small number of cases, this may be something obscene or offensive.
Tics can happen randomly and they may be associated with something such as stress, anxiety, tiredness, excitement or happiness. They tend to get worse if they're talked about or focused on. They often start with an unpleasant sensation that builds up in the body until relieved by the tic – known as an urge – although they can sometimes be partly suppressed.
Tourettes
Tourettes Syndrome is term used when tics:
- Are more severe.
- Are vocal and motor in nature.
- Have been going on for a year or more.
Managing Tics
There are some simple things you can do that may help to improve your or your child's tics.
- Avoid stress, anxiety and boredom – for example, try to find a relaxing and enjoyable activity to do (such as sport or a hobby).
- Avoid becoming too tired – try to get a good night's sleep whenever possible. Find out about good sleep tips in our resources section.
- Try to ignore your child's tic and not talk about it too much – drawing attention to it may make it worse.
- Do not tell a child off when their tic occurs.
- Reassure your child that everything's OK and there's no reason for them to feel embarrassed.
- Let other people you're in regular contact with know about tics, so they're aware of them and know not to react when they occur.
When to refer to CAMHS
Tics are not usually serious and they do not damage the brain.
You do not always need to see a GP if they're mild and not causing problems. Sometimes they can disappear as quickly as they appear.
See a GP if you're concerned about your child's tics, you need support or advice, or the tics:
If the GP feels a referral is appropriate they can find all the information they need in the referral section for professionals on our webpage.
You do not always need to see a GP if they're mild and not causing problems. Sometimes they can disappear as quickly as they appear.
See a GP if you're concerned about your child's tics, you need support or advice, or the tics:
- Occur very regularly, or become more frequent or severe.
- Cause emotional or social problems, such as embarrassment, bullying or social isolation .
- Cause pain or discomfort (some tics can cause the person to accidentally hurt themselves).
- Interfere with daily activities, school or work.
- Are accompanied by anger, depression or self harm.
If the GP feels a referral is appropriate they can find all the information they need in the referral section for professionals on our webpage.
You may be aware that waiting times for assessment are lengthy and we appreciate that this is frustrating. The service is committed to pursuing a number of quality improvements which we hope will reduce the length of time you have to wait.
In the meantime, you may find it helpful to access some online information and support. Some of the resources that we recommend are:
In the meantime, you may find it helpful to access some online information and support. Some of the resources that we recommend are:
