New TS Member
 

Hello. Had TS since childhood. Diagnosed by a movement disorder specialist years ago. For the past several years my worse tic (blinking) has been terrible along with jerking my neck a lot. I've actually been in a partial hospitalization program since March for other reasons. Was taking Orap and Clonodine because it was the last thing that seemed to work for me. After a while, I noticed my tics were almost gone. Stopped the meds and probably about 95% of them were gone. I know about waxing and waning, but I began to think my tics must have been a nervous disorder that was being helped by therapy.

Then, a big stressor came along and they came back full force. The stress is minor now but the tics did not go away. Wondered if this was just a slight reprieve or I actually have a nervous tic disorder. Just looking for opinions.

Thanks everyone.

Hi reesecups. Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups. :)

My personal understanding is that "nervous" tic disorder is a misnomer. Tic Disorders are indeed conditions in which the Central Nervous System is involved, but they are not caused by being highly strung/nervous/habits.

Many people find that if they also have a comorbid condition e.g. anxiety, ocd, add/adhd, depression etc., which is interfering with their lives and they receive appropriate treatment then their tics tend to settle. Perhaps that's what happened in your situation? Often the comorbids are much more troublesome for people than their actual tics.

It's typical, apart from the waxing and waning of tics, for tics to diminish over time. Of course, this doesn't happen for everyone, but that is typical progression. Unfortunately stressful events can certainly cause an exacerbation of tics as you've experienced and they will hopefully be quite temporary. Stress and fatigue can play a part so make sure you're getting enough sleep and maybe try some relaxation therapy or exercizes.

When you mentioned that your tics diminished after going off the meds., it is possible that it was a combination of natural progression of the condition in conjunction with the therapy your were receiving for a comorbid condition (if that's what the therapy was aimed at).

I hope those tics settle soon. Take care of yourself.

Thanks for your response. No, I actually wasn't being treated for the tics. But I do have some co-occurring stuff like mild OCD and others that I can't recall off hand. I simply went from bad tics to extremely minimal when the chronic anxiety was less. To back to extreme now.

I appreciate all the info. You've been very helpful! Take Care

Have you thought about trying CBT (cognitive behaviour therapy) to help with your anxiety? I also wondered about the Orap. You mentioned that the Orap helped but I wondered if you noticed an increase in your anxiety while taking it?

Actually have been in CBT and medicated for anxiety. Frankly the anxiety may make the tics worse, but medicating for the anxiety might help to an extent but still do not go away.

As far as Orap, I don't recall any side-effects from it, but I have a bad memory and I've been off of it for several months.

Thanks

I am in the process of setting up a doctor's appointment to get an official diagnosis (at age 24). I am nervous about the next steps in the process. Not sure what routes to take.. medication, therapy, etc.

Hi Caitlin,
Welcome to the NeuroTalk Support Groups. :Wave-Hello:

It's great to have you here.

Have you had your tics since childhood? Are they more troublesome now as an adult than when you were a child or teen?

I read one of your other posts and it sounds as if your anxiety is more of an issue right now than your tics, is that right... or do you mean your tics are causing your anxiety?