Abstract
Tics are prevalent hyperkinesias that are most often encountered in the context of a primary tic disorder, as in Tourette syndrome. Although their recognition is typically straightforward, they often share some phenomenological features with other jerky hyperkinesias and may be mislabeled as such. These include myoclonic jerks, dystonia, chorea, stereotypies, as well as functional movement disorders. Here we discuss specific clues from clinical history and highlight relevant phenomenological qualities of tics, as well as their differences from other hyperkinetic disorders. We also showcase a broad range of relevant videos to facilitate correct recognition and labeling of motor phenomena. Our goal is to support clinicians in their diagnostic approach to tics, including their distinction from other jerky movement disorders. We believe that this will not only improve diagnostic accuracy in tic disorders, but it will also expedite appropriate care where needed.
Keywords: Tics, Tourette syndrome, jerky movement, phenomenology
Please see Video 1.
Video 1.
Clinical approach on how to differentiate between tics and other jerky movement disorders.
Author Roles
(1) Research project: A. Conception, B. Organization, C. Execution; (2) Statistical analysis: A. Design, B. Execution, C. Review and critique; (3) Manuscript: A. Writing of the first draft, B. Review and critique.
TG.: 1A, 1B, 1C, 3A
A.L.: 1B, 3B
C.G.: 1A, 1C, 3B
Disclosures
Ethical Compliance Statement: The authors confirm that the approval of an institutional review board was not required for this work. Patients have signed consent for video acquisition and publication. We confirm that we have read the journal's position on issues involved in ethical publication and affirm that this work is consistent with those guidelines. (Video 1).
Funding Sources and Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare that there are no funding sources or conflicts of interest relevant to this work.
Financial Disclosures for the Previous 12 Months: T.G reports unrelated disclosures including grant from Canadian DMRF. C.G reports unrelated disclosures including support through the Wolf Chair for Neurodevelopmental Psychiatry, a joint Hospital‐University named Chair between the University of Toronto, the UHN and the UHN Foundation. A.L reports unrelated disclosures including that he serves as advisor for Abvvie and Sunivion; received grants from Brain Canada, Canadian Institute of Health Research, Edmond J Safra Philanthropic Foundation, Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson's Foundation, Parkinson's Canada, and the Garfield Weston Foundation.
Data Availability Statement
Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.
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Associated Data
This section collects any data citations, data availability statements, or supplementary materials included in this article.
Data Availability Statement
Data sharing is not applicable to this article as no new data were created or analyzed in this study.