repetitive tic

Introduction

Brief, repetitive, stereotyped, coordinated movements occurring at irregular intervals. They appear to be purposeless.

Etiology

• tic disorders
• idiopathic

Pathology

• they are done voluntarily, but cannot be completely controlled
• the urge to perform the movements can be suppressed for short periods of time, but is irresistable

Clinical manifestations

• repetitive wrinking, grimacing or shoulder shrugging
• the face is most frequently involved, but any part of the body may be involved
• one form of tic may be present or a combination of tics may be present, carried out simultaneously, consecutively, or alternately

Differential diagnosis

• choreiform movements
• dystonia
• athetosis
• myoclonus
• hemiballismic movements
• spasms
• synkinesis
• compulsions of obsessive compulsive disorder
• medication-induced movement disorder

More general terms

• sign/symptom

Additional terms

• tic disorder