Common vocal tics include throat clearing, coughing, sniffing, grunting or barking. The range of symptom severity varies widely among individuals. Those with mild TS have barely noticeable motor and vocal tics and may not experience any disability or handicap. However, individuals with severe and frequent symptoms may suffer some disability or impairment in functioning. Fortunately, it is estimated that only a small proportion of individuals with TS have symptoms that are severe enough to cause serious interference with their lives.
Tics usually become exacerbated during periods of stress, excitement or sleep deprivation.
They generally improve when the patient is not anxious or is absorbed in an activity. In most instances tics abate during sleep. Patients with TS can sometimes control their tics for a short time, but eventually tension mounts, and the symptoms reappear. Patient Evaluation Effective treatment begins with a complete evaluation. Assessment of TS involves far more than simple diagnosis.