About 1 to 2% of the population has chronic motor tic disorder. The condition�is more common than Tourette's Syndrome, but�not as common as�transient tic disorder, which occurs and then stops without treatment within a year.

It is thought that all types of chronic tics are types of Tourette's Syndrome.

• Vocalizations (grunts, throat clearing, abdominal or diaphragmatic contractions)
• Facial grimacing
• Excessive blinking
• Rapid, recurrent movement of the arms, legs, or other areas

A person can suppress (hold off) these symptoms for a small length of time. A sensation of relief is experienced when these movements have been carried out. Tics�may persist during all stages of sleep, and may get worse with stress, heat, excitement, and fatigue.

A tic can�usually be�diagnosed during a physical examination. Tests are�generally not necessary.

To be diagnosed with the disorder:

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

Treatment depends on how bad the tics are and how the condition affects a person. Medicines and psychotherapy are used only when�the tics have a substantial impact�on daily activities, such as school and job performance.

Drugs used to treat tics include dopamine blockers, such as pimozide and risperidone. However, they are not always successful�and can cause�side effects.

Children who develop this disorder between ages 6 and 8 do very well. Symptoms may last 4 to 6 years, and then stop without treatment in early adolescence.

When the disorder begins in older children and�continues into the 20s, it may become a life-long condition.

There are usually no complications.

There is usually no need to see the health care provider for a tic unless it is severe or becomes disruptive to�the person's life.

If you can not tell if the movements are a tic or something more serious (such as a seizure), consult with your health care provider.