A tic is a sudden, rapid, recurrent, non-rhythmic, motor movement or vocalization. The body moves repeatedly, quickly, suddenly and uncontrollably. Any part of the body- face, shoulders, hands or legs can be affected. It can present as eye blinking, nose twitching, tooth clicking, sticking out the tongue or hand clapping for motor tics, while Vocal Tics may come as grunting, sniffing, barking or throat clearing.
Tics can be suppressed but not indefinitely. Stress exercabates tic, which diminishes during sleep and when the person is engaged in an absorbing activity.
Tourett’s disorder refers to a chronic motor or tic disorder.
