## Understanding Tics: The Basics
Tics are sudden, quick, and repetitive movements or sounds that happen over and over again. They can be simple—like blinking, shrugging shoulders, or clearing the throat—or more complex, involving a series of coordinated actions or words. Tics are usually involuntary, meaning people don’t choose to do them on purpose. Sometimes people feel an urge before a tic happens, almost like an itch that needs to be scratched.
Tic disorders are a group of neurological conditions where these tics are the main symptom. They often start in childhood and can change over time—sometimes getting better as kids grow up, but sometimes continuing into adulthood.
## Types of Tic Disorders
There are three main types of tic disorders: Tourette syndrome (TS), chronic (persistent) motor or vocal tic disorder (CMT/CVT), and provisional (transient) tic disorder.
### Tourette Syndrome
Tourette syndrome is the most well-known type of tic disorder. To be diagnosed with TS, a person must have both motor and vocal tics for at least one year. Motor means movement—like blinking or jerking your head—and vocal means sound—like grunting or saying words out loud. These symptoms must have started before age 18.
People with TS often experience both simple and complex tics. Simple motor tics might include eye blinking or nose twitching; complex motor tics could involve jumping or touching things repeatedly. Simple vocal tics might be throat clearing; complex ones could involve repeating words or phrases out loud.
### Chronic Motor Tic Disorder / Chronic Vocal Tic Disorder
Chronic motor
