Tics & stereotopies

Question 1

What is a Tic?

Answer 1

• sudden, rapid, recurrent, nonrhythmic motor movements, generally preceded by an urge.
• MC in face/ head/ neck

Question 2

What is Tourette syndrome?

Answer 2

• a neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by chronic vocal and motor tics causing distress and functional impairment
• 2 or more motor Tics & at least one vocal tic occurring many times a day, nearly every day for longer then a year, with onset < 18 yrs - begins in childhood - MC early primary school
• 2-4 x MC M > F
• Most with TS have at least 1 comorbidity (ADHD, OCD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, anxiety)
• Max severity symptoms btw 10-12 yrs

Question 3

What are Stereotypies?

Answer 3

• a diverse range of movements, behaviours, and/or vocalisations that are repetitive, lack clear function
• Onset typically early childhood < 3 yrs
• common (rocking, head banging, finger tapping), complex arm and hand (flapping and waving) or head nodding
• kids can be distracted from their movements

Question 4

What is the difference between a Tic and a Stereotopy?

Answer 4

** Tic
- premonitory urge, relief following the movement, as well as the ability to suppress the movement
- Can change over time
- onset typically 5-7 yrs
- quick & sudden

** Stereotopy
- almost always pleasurable for the child
- emerge at earlier ago, often before 3 yrs
- consistent repetitive pattern, gives the appearance of rhythmicity of movement
- more stable/ un changed over lifetime