The Clinical Characterization of Blocking Tics in Patients With Tourette Syndrome.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the presence of motor and phonic tics. Blocking phenomena, characterized by arrests in motor activity causing interruptions in movements or speech, have also been described in patients with TS. In this study, we aimed to characterize the frequency and features of blocking tics in patients with TS.

Methods

We studied a cohort of 201 patients with TS evaluated at our movement disorders clinic.

Results

We identified 12 (6%) patients with blocking phenomena. Phonic tic intrusion causing speech arrest was the most common (n = 8, 4%), followed by sustained isometric muscle contractions arresting body movements (n = 4, 2%). The following variables were statistically related to blocking phenome

SUBMITTER: Baizabal-Carvallo JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10236012 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature