Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum.  ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Neurology  (Expert Forum)
 | 
Are there other causes for tics than Tourette's?
This forum is for questions and support regarding neurology issues such as: Alzheimer's Disease, ALS, Autism, Brain Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, Chronic Pain, Epilepsy, Fibromyalgia, Headaches, MS, Neuralgia, Neuropathy, Parkinson's Disease, RSD, Sleep Disorders, Stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury.

Are there other causes for tics than Tourette's?

by Virginia__0__0, Nov 06, 1998 12:00AM

  I have strange movements such as jerking my shoulders, moving my trunk around, rubbing one ankle with the other foot while walking, sudden arm movents, and clumsiness (dropping things, bumping into things, and falling).  
  A neurologist said these were tics.  He thought I might have Wilson's disease.  Tests showed I have excess copper, but not enough to be Wilson's.  Now he thinks I have Tourette's.  I am 55 years old, and these movements started about eight years ago. Since I did not have tics in childhood, can this be true?  Are there other movement disorders which could cause such symptoms?  Thanks for your response.
=========================================================================
The onset of Tourette’s in adulthood without a precipitating cause is very rare, you might wish to get a second opinion from a movement disorders specialist to explore the options. The onset of tics later in life is associated with a number of factors including Wilson’s disease as you mention, Huntingtons disease ( but a family history is required ) . Tics have also been described following head injury, viral infection, psychiatric medication, as part of obsessive compulsive disorder, following bacterial infections and as part of a Parkinson’s disease type disorder.
Tics are therefore as you suggest seen in other movement disorders and you are justified in having concerns, I would strongly advise a second opinion from someone with a special interest in movement disorders. If you want such an opinion at the Cleveland Clinic movement disorders section the number to call for appointments is (216) 444 5559.





Continue discussion
RSS Expert Activity
H1N1 and Our Pets
Nov 05 by Thomas Dock, Vet. Technician
In the ER: A Unicorn's Journey
Nov 03 by Jon Geller, D.V.M.
Doctors Resign Over Coca-Cola Fundi...
Nov 03 by Adam Tanase, D.C.