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repetitive tic
Brief, repetitive, stereotyped, coordinated movements occurring at irregular intervals. They appear to be purposeless.
Etiology:
1) tic disorders
2) idiopathic
Pathology:
1) they are done voluntarily, but cannot be completely controlled
2) the urge to perform the movements can be suppressed for short periods of time, but is irresistable
Clinical manifestations:
1) repetitive wrinking, grimacing or shoulder shrugging
2) the face is most frequently involved, but any part of the body may be involved
3) one form of tic may be present or a combination of tics may be present, carried out simultaneously, consecutively, or alternately
Differential diagnosis:
1) choreiform movements
2) dystonia
3) athetosis
4) myoclonus
5) hemiballismic movements
6) spasms
7) synkinesis
8) compulsions of obsessive compulsive disorder
9) medication-induced movement disorder
Related
tic disorder
General
sign/symptom
References
- Guide to Physical Examination & History Taking, 6th edition,
Bates B, JB Lippincott, Philadelphia, 1995, pg 545
- Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, American
College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed.,
Text Revision, DSM-IV, American Psychiatric Association,
Washington DC, 1994