Tics and Their Treatment

The volume examines involuntary motor and vocal tics, distinguishing them from reflex spasms and other movement disorders by emphasizing coordinated, purposive muscle contractions that imply cortical rather than bulbar origin. It surveys clinical presentations and psychological contributors, stressing the role of habit, impaired inhibition, and an underlying neuropathic predisposition that can permit tics to persist or generalize into more complex syndromes. Observations, experiments, and case material support therapeutic principles centered on suppression, immobilization of affected muscles, and behavioral measures to disrupt maladaptive functional centers. Prognostic issues and practical treatment approaches for chronic or progressive tic disorders are outlined.