Symptoms Of Tourette Syndrome

Complex Motor Tics

This style of tic is similar to the simple motor ones because it involves moving muscles around. However, instead of moving a single small cluster of muscles in a back and forth movement, it may involve more steps or larger amount of muscles. For example, a complex motor tic may involve tapping fingers in a specific pattern instead of simply moving one finger up and down. Complex motor tics may be repeated multiple times, or they may just occur once every few minutes or so. Other examples of common complex tics include picking up an object, twisting the torso, hopping, or moving the feet in a pattern as a person steps. Because these tics are more involved than simple ones, consequences can be more challenging. They may be far more distracting and keep the patient from getting work done. In cases where a complex tic involves obscene gestures, it can greatly impair an individual's social interaction. Sadly, this style of tic can result in harmful behavior like banging the head against a surface.

Learn more about the various symptoms of Tourette syndrome.