Transient tic disorder is characterized by single or multiple motor tics, which are brief, repetitive, difficult-to-control movements or vocalizations that often resemble nervous mannerisms.

To meet the criteria for this condition, these tics must have occurred almost every day for at least 4 weeks, but not have been present for more than a year.

Transient (short-lived, temporary) tic disorder is common in children: 5% to 24% of all school-age children have had tics.

The cause of transient tic disorder can be physical or psychological. It may be a mild variant of Tourette's syndrome. The child may have facial tics or tics involving movement of the arms, legs, or other areas. Tics appear to get worse with emotional stress and do not occur during sleep.

• Movements are recurrent and nonrythmic
• Patients experience an overwhelming inner urge to make the movement
• Movements are most often brief and jerky and include the following:
  • Blinking
  • Raising eyebrows
  • Nostrils flaring
  • Grimacing
  • Opening the mouth
  • Sticking out the tongue
  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Jerking arms
  • Clenching the fists
  • Kicking
  • Curling of the toes

Vocalizations, such as grunts, sniffing, throat clearing, squealing, snorting, clicking, hissing, or moaning may also occur.