Provisional tic disorder
Tic - transient tic disorderProvisional (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).
Causes
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.
Tourette syndrome
Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes a person to make repeated, quick movements or sounds that they cannot control.
Read Article Now Book Mark ArticleSymptoms
Your child may have facial tics or tics involving movement of the arms, legs, or other areas.
Facial tics
A facial tic is a repeated spasm, often involving the eyes and muscles of the face.
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
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider will consider physical causes of provisional tic disorder before making a diagnosis.
In order to be diagnosed with provisional tic disorder, symptoms must be present less than one year and not be due to other conditions including use of substances.
Other disorders such as anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), uncontrollable movement (myoclonus), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and epilepsy may need to be ruled out.
Anxiety
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental disorder in which a person is often worried or anxious about many things and finds it hard to control ...
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorde
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a problem caused by the presence of one or more of these findings:Not being able to focusBeing ove...
Uncontrollable movement
Uncontrollable movements include many types of movements that you cannot control. They can affect the arms, legs, face, neck, or other parts of the ...
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, ideas, sensations (obsessions...
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which a person has repeated seizures over time. Seizures are episodes of uncontrolled and abnormal electrical activi...
Treatment
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.
Outlook (Prognosis)
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.
Possible Complications
There are usually no complications. A chronic motor tic disorder can develop.
Chronic motor tic disorder
Chronic motor or vocal tic disorder is a condition that involves quick, uncontrollable movements or vocal outbursts (but not both).
When to Contact a Medical Professional
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.
Seizure
A seizure is the physical changes in behavior that occurs during an episode of specific types of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. The term ...
References
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.
Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration
The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
illustration
Brain - illustration
The major areas of the brain have one or more specific functions.
Brain
illustration
Brain and nervous system - illustration
The nervous system controls the many complicated and interconnected functions of the body and mind. Motor, sensory cognitive and autonomic function are all coordinated and driven by the brain and nerves. As people age, nerve cells deteriorated in number and facility, causing some lessening in function.
Brain and nervous system
illustration
Brain structures - illustration
The structures of the brain include the brainstem, consisting of the spinal cord, the medulla oblongata, the pons and the midbrain; the cerebellum; the cerebrum (one half, or hemisphere shown), and the diencephalon.
Brain structures
illustration
Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system - illustration
The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system includes nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
Central nervous system and peripheral nervous system
illustration
Brain - illustration
The major areas of the brain have one or more specific functions.
Brain
illustration
Brain and nervous system - illustration
The nervous system controls the many complicated and interconnected functions of the body and mind. Motor, sensory cognitive and autonomic function are all coordinated and driven by the brain and nerves. As people age, nerve cells deteriorated in number and facility, causing some lessening in function.
Brain and nervous system
illustration
Brain structures - illustration
The structures of the brain include the brainstem, consisting of the spinal cord, the medulla oblongata, the pons and the midbrain; the cerebellum; the cerebrum (one half, or hemisphere shown), and the diencephalon.
Brain structures
illustration
Review Date: 3/31/2024
Reviewed 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.
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