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Tics, Pediatric

Jordan F. Garris, MD and Donald L. Gilbert, MD, MS, FAAN, FAAP Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Tics are sudden, repetitive, patterned movements (e.g., blinking, grimacing, gesturing) or vocalizations (e.g., throat clearing, grunting, shouting words). Tics may occur sporadicall...

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis of tics is based on history and observation. Physical examination is typically otherwise normal. 

HISTORY

  • Document a description of the patient’s past and current tics, including...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Educating the child and family about tics is essential. Providing educational resources for the family to access after the clinic visit and for school personnel may also be u...

ONGOING CARE

DIET

There is no evidence that dietary modifications alter the course of tic disorders. 

PATIENT EDUCATION

The Tourette Association of America (tourette.org) is a valuable resource for infor...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Barfell KSF, Snyder RR, Isaacs-Cloes KM, et al. Parent and patient perceptions of functional impairment due to Tourette syndrome: development of a shortened version of the Child Tou...

CODES

ICD9

  • 307.20 Tic disorder, unspecified

  • 307.23 Tourette’s disorder

  • 307.21 Transient tic disorder

  • 307.22 Chronic motor or vocal tic disorder

ICD10

  • F95.9 Tic disorder, unspecified

  • F95.2 Tourette’s disorder

  • ...

FAQ

  • Q: Can a child with tics and ADHD be treated with stimulant medication?

  • A: Although there have been concerns of stimulants making tics worse, there is no evidence that stimulants cause chronic tics...

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