Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Differentiating between transient tic disorder and Tourette syndrome in a clinical setting primarily relies on the duration and types of tics observed NICE NG127.
- Duration of Tics: For a diagnosis of Tourette syndrome, both multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic must have been present for more than 12 consecutive months NICE NG127. In contrast, transient tic disorder involves tics that have been present for less than 12 consecutive months NICE NG127.
- Types of Tics: Tourette syndrome requires the presence of both multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic at some point during the illness, though not necessarily at the same time NICE NG127. Transient tic disorder may involve motor tics, vocal tics, or both, but the key differentiator remains the duration NICE NG127.
Tics typically begin in childhood NICE NG127. It is also important to note that Tourette syndrome can be associated with other challenges, such as anger outbursts and aggressive symptoms Ashurova et al. 2021. Furthermore, neurological conditions, including Tourette syndrome, may co-occur with other neurodevelopmental conditions like autism spectrum disorder (ASD) NICE NG127,NICE CG128.
Key References
- NG127 - Suspected neurological conditions: recognition and referral
- CG128 - Autism spectrum disorder in under 19s: recognition, referral and diagnosis
- (Coffey et al., 1994): Tourette's disorder and related problems: a review and update.
- (Ashurova et al., 2021): Ticked Off: Anger Outbursts and Aggressive Symptoms in Tourette Disorder.