A tic is a problem in which a part of the body moves repeatedly, quickly, suddenly and uncontrollably. Tics can occur in any body part, such as the face, shoulders, hands or legs. They can be stopped voluntarily for brief periods. Most tics are mild and hardly noticeable. However, in some cases they are frequent and severe, and can affect many areas of a child's life.
Transient tics go away by themselves.
Some may get worse with anxiety, tiredness, and some medications. Some tics do not go away. Chronic tics affect less than one percent of children and may be related to a special, more unusual tic disorder called Tourette's Disorder. Some tics disappear by early adulthood, and some continue. Children with Tourette's Disorder may have problems with attention, concentration, and may have learning disabilities as well.