Symptoms:

• Excessive blinking
• Grimaces of the face
• Quick movements of the arms, legs, or other areas
• Sounds (grunts, throat clearing, contractions of the abdomen or diaphragm)

People can hold off these symptoms for a short period of time, but they feel a sense of relief when they carry out these movements. Patients typically describe them as responding to an inner urge and may have abnormal sensations in the area of the tic prior to the tic occurring.

Tics may continue during all stages of sleep. They may get worse with:

• Excitement
• Fatigue
• Heat
• Stress

Signs and tests:

The doctor can usually diagnose a tic during a physical examination. Tests are generally not needed.

To be diagnosed with the disorder:

• You must have had the tics nearly every day for more than a year
• You have not had a tic-free period longer than 3 months