Transient tic disorder also known as benign tic disorder of childhood

Transient tic disorder is a temporary condition in which a person makes one or many brief, repeated, difficult to control movements or noises (tics)

Tics are a type of dyskinesia, which is the general medical term given to impairments or distortions of voluntary movements. Although tics vary considerably in severity, they are associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders in children and adolescents

A tic is a nonvoluntary body movement or vocal sound that is commonly made repeatedly, rapidly, and suddenly. It has a stereotyped but nonrhythmic character. The child or adolescent with a tic experiences it as irresistible urge or feeling similar to sneezing but can suppress the movement or noise for a period of time. Tics are categorized as motor or vocal, and as simple or complex. The word "tic" itself is French.

The cause of transient tic disorder can be physical or mental (psychological). It may be a mild form of Tourette syndrome.

The child may have facial tics or tics involving movement of the arms, legs, or other areas.

Tics may involve:

Movements that occur again and again and don't have a rhythm
An overwhelming urge to make the movement
Brief and jerky movements that include the following:

Blinking,Clenching the fists,Curling the toes,Flaring the nostrils,Grimacing Jerking the arms,Kicking Opening the mouth,Raising the eyebrows,Shrugging the shoulders,Sticking out the tongue

The tics often look like nervous behavior. Tics appear to get worse with stress and do not occur during sleep.

Sounds may also occur, such as:
Clicking Grunting Hissing Moaning Sniffing Snorting Squealing Throat clearing


The criteria for transient tic disorder specify that the onset must occur before the age of 18 years; the tics must occur many times a day almost every day for at least four weeks but not longer than 12 months

Simple childhood tics usually disappear over a period of months.There are usually no complications tho a chronic motor or vocal tic disorder can develop.

Talk to your health care provider if you are concerned about a transient tic disorder, especially if it continues or disrupts your child's life.