Background:
Tics are involuntary movements and vocalizations. Some tics are organic: They are related to diagnosed disorders. Sometimes tics have other causes, such as problems with how the brain and body send and receive messages. These are called functional tics. It can be difficult to tell the difference between these 2 types of tics. Doctors need to know more so they can make more accurate diagnoses.
Objective:
To learn more about the difference between functional and organic tics.
Eligibility:
Adults aged 18 to 80 years who have a tic that causes involuntary movements. Healthy volunteers with no tics are also needed.
Design:
Participants will have one 4-hour clinic visit. The visit may be done in 1 or 2 days. Participants will refrain from consuming alcohol or caffeine before the visit. They may have a physical exam.
Participants will wear two types of sensors:
Electromyography (EMG): Adhesive disks with sensors will be attached to the skin above some muscles. These disks will record electricity in the muscles as the participant moves.
Electroencephalography (EEG): Sensors will be placed on the participant s scalp. The sensors may be adhered directly, or the participant may wear an electrode cap. The sensors will detect brain waves.
Participants will rest while seated in a chair. Their involuntary tics will be monitored with the EMG and EEG. Then they will be asked to make movements to mimic their tics. Healthy volunteers will also rest; then they will be asked to perform movements that mimic tics.
Participants will have their blink reflex tested. EMG sensors will be placed on the muscles near the eyes. Electrical pulses will be used to stimulate blinking.
Participants will answer questionnaires about their tics and their health....
Capacity to provide informed consent (self-consent)
Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
Male or female, aged 18-80
Agreement to adhere to Lifestyle Considerations prior to and during the physiological testing visit.
Self-reported consumption of >14 alcoholic drinks/week* for a man and >7 alcoholic drinks/week for a woman
Use of prescription drugs and other illicit drugs that may suppress tics such as dopamine blocking agents and antipsychotics during a certain time period prior to the
Clinically significant abnormal movements on neurological examination except for tics.
Contraindications to EEG or EMG procedures, including skin lesions at electrode sites or hypersensitivity to electrode materials.