Motor tics are characterized by abrupt onset of brief, unsustained focal movements that are usually preceded by a premonitory sensation and are suppressible. Psychogenic tics (pseudotics) are rarely described. It may not be easy to distinguish organic from functional tics because they can coexist. Using a case illustration, the value of a “staged” placebo test in aiding the diagnosis of psychogenic tics is described. In addition, a concise summary of the clinical phenomenology of tics and the diagnosis and management of psychogenic movement disorders is provided. (J Child Neurol 2004;19:976-977).
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