Tic attacks are severe bouts of uncontrollable movements that may occur in individuals with Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorders. The attacks are typically made up of the individual's typical tics together with abnormal whole body movements.

What does a tic attack feel like?

A person with a tic disorder experiences sudden twitches of whole muscle groups, most often in the eyes, mouth, shoulders, or neck. Tics can manifest as movement — like rapid, uncontrolled blinking of the eyes — or as sounds, like throat clearing or grunting.

What causes tic attacks?

There is no known cause of transient tic disorder. Like Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders, a combination of factors influences it. Some research indicates that tic disorders may be inherited. A genetic mutation can cause Tourette syndrome in rare cases.