Transient Tic Disorder Overview
Learn About Transient Tic Disorder
Provisional (transient) tic disorder is a condition in which a person makes one or many brief, repeated, movements or noises (tics). These movements or noises are involuntary (not on purpose).
Tic - transient tic disorder
Provisional tic disorder is common in children.
The cause of provisional tic disorder can be physical or mental (psychological). It may be a mild form of Tourette syndrome. Provisional means that the tic has been present for less than a year.
Your child may have facial tics or tics involving movement of the arms, legs, or other areas.
Tics may involve:
- Movements that occur again and again and do not have a rhythm
- An overwhelming urge to make the movement
- Brief and jerky movements that include blinking, clenching the fists, jerking the arms, kicking, raising the eyebrows, sticking out the tongue
The tics often look like nervous behavior. Tics appear to get worse with stress. They may be less frequent during sleep or not occur during sleep at all.
Sounds may also occur, such as:
- Clicking
- Grunting
- Hissing
- Moaning
- Sniffing
- Snorting
- Squealing
- Throat clearing
Providers recommend that family members do not call attention to the tics at first. This is because unwanted attention may make the tics worse. If the tics are severe enough to cause problems at school or work, behavioral techniques and medicines may help.
Children's Hospital Medical Center
Donald Gilbert is a Pediatric Neurologist and a Neurologist in Cincinnati, Ohio. Dr. Gilbert is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Transient Tic Disorder. His top areas of expertise are Tourette Syndrome, Transient Tic Disorder, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, Movement Disorders, and Deep Brain Stimulation. Dr. Gilbert is currently accepting new patients.
Kirsten Vahl-Muller practices in Hannover, Germany. Ms. Vahl-Muller is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Transient Tic Disorder. Her top areas of expertise are Tourette Syndrome, Transient Tic Disorder, Movement Disorders, Drug Induced Dyskinesia, and Deep Brain Stimulation.
Harvey Singer is a Neurologist in Lutherville, Maryland. Dr. Singer is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Transient Tic Disorder. His top areas of expertise are Tourette Syndrome, Stereotypic Movement Disorder, Transient Tic Disorder, and Movement Disorders. Dr. Singer is currently accepting new patients.
Simple childhood tics usually disappear over a period of months. If symptoms persist for more than three months, they are more likely to become chronic.
There are usually no complications. A chronic motor tic disorder can develop.
Talk to your child's provider if you are concerned about a provisional tic disorder, especially if it continues or disrupts your child's life. If you are not sure whether the movements are a tic or a seizure, contact your provider right away.
Background: \- In deep brain stimulation (DBS), a device called a neurostimulator is placed in the chest. It is attached to wires in parts of the brain that affect movement. DBS might help people with movement disorders like Parkinson s disease (PD), dystonia, and essential tremor (ET).
Summary: Patients with tics will be asked to complete a series of validated questionnaires (in electronic and/or paper format) regarding symptoms and conditions often associated with Tourette syndrome, including premonitory urges, sensory experiences, inattention, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, anxiety, and depression. Participants will also be asked to complete a quality of life assessment. This series ...
Published Date: March 31, 2024
Published By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Kim JW, Walter HJ, DeMaso DR. Motor disorders and habits. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 37.
Singer HS, Mink JW, Gilbert DL, Jankovic J. Tics and tourette syndrome. In: Singer HS, Mink JW, Gilbert DL, Jankovic J, eds. Movement Disorders in Childhood. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 7.
Tochen L, Singer HS. Tics and Tourette syndrome. In: Swaiman K, Ashwal S, Ferriero DM, et al, eds. Swaiman's Pediatric Neurology: Principles and Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 98.