Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
Tourette's Disorder: Tic Triggers
Tourette's Disorder: Tic Triggers
Overview
Your child's tics related to Tourette syndrome may seem worse in certain situations or during times when your child experiences strong emotions. Common triggers include:
- Stressful events, such as a family fight or poor performance at school.
- Boredom, physical illness, or fatigue.
- Anger or excitement. Difficulties with other kids can make your child angry or frustrated. Or your child may get flustered when eager for a fun event, such as a birthday party or vacation.
Your child's tics may decrease or be less severe when your child:
- Gets enough sleep.
- Becomes involved in new activities that are of great interest. Tics may improve while your child is focused on an activity as long as there is not a lot of surrounding stress or agitation from being overexcited.
Remember that tics related to TS also sometimes increase or decrease for no obvious reason.
Your child may also be able to hold back, or suppress, tics for a short time. Children may do this when they:
- Are in a new place, such as at a new friend's house.
- Are in a new situation, such as having someone new over for dinner.
- Know that someone is watching for tics, such as a doctor.
After holding back tics, most children will soon have a short period afterward when tics are noticeably worse.
Current as of: August 25, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:John Pope MD - Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Louis Pellegrino MD - Developmental Pediatrics
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org.
© 1995-2023 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
Related Links
Tourette Syndrome (TS)
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>