I have frequent tics. Can it be a symptom of Tourette syndrome?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had frequent tics for two months. I am wondering if I have a tic disorder, or if it might be the beginning of Tourette's syndrome.

My tics are frequent and worse in the evening; I have both motor and vocal tics. Sniffing, eye blinking, headshaking, coughing, clearing throat, yelling out swear words, yelling out "ha ha".

I have had tics i think. When I was younger, I just did not know the feeling or what it was.

Kindly advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Tics are relatively common and experienced by many people. If you are having both motor and vocal tics that are persistent for more than a year, it becomes a chronic tic disorder- commonly referred to as Tourette's syndrome. How old are you now? At what age did these tics start?

Tics are usually more prominent when you are feeling tired or stressed. I will advise consulting with your doctor for a full assessment (physical causes may need to be ruled out in some situations). If tics are affecting your normal functioning, they can be treated by habit reversal therapy, and sometimes medication can be used as well.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.