Tourette: Discover Tic Types

Dystonic tics are sustained, twisting, or abnormal postures caused by prolonged muscle contractions.

Swearing tics (Coprolalia) affect roughly 10% of all Tourette and tic disorder sufferers.

Article on vocal and phonic tics manifesting as sounds

Mental tics are tics that occur entirely within the mind rather than through visible movement or sound.

Palilalia involves the involuntary repetition of your own words, phrases or sounds. The repetitions may increase in speed or volume and can interrupt normal speech flow. 

Echolalia involves repeating words or phrases spoken by another person. This repetition is involuntary and may happen immediately or after a short delay. 

Tonic tics involve a tightening of a muscle group without causing movement, or only small, barely noticeable movements.

Blocking tics cause a sudden interruption in speech or movement. This may cause a momentary freeze mid-sentence or inability to initiate an action, such as taking a step or reaching for an object.

Clonic tics are sudden, brief, and repetitive muscle movements that cause quick, jerky motions. These include eye blinking, shoulder shrugging and head nodding.

Internal tics are sensations or actions that occur within the body and are not easily observed by others. Very similar to tonic tics, but may not involve obvious movements or actions such as muscle tensing.

Copropraxia is a term to describe tics that consist of obscene and inappropriate gestures

Vocal or phonic tics involving involuntarily words, short phrases, or fragments of speech. These specific tics are unrelated to the situation or conversation.