Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 12, 2025

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Nasal Brushing Sampling and Processing Using Digital High Speed Ciliary Videomicroscopy – Adaptation for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Published on: November 7, 2020

Paediatric tic-like presentations during the COVID-19 pandemic

Sarah Buts¹, Morvwen Duncan², Tamsin Owen¹

¹Evelina London Children's Hospital Neurosciences Department, London, UK.

Archives of Disease in Childhood

|November 26, 2021

Abstract

Background And Aim:

Clinical centres have seen an increase in tic-like movements during the COVID-19 pandemic. A series of children and adolescents are described.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review of 34 consecutive paediatric patients presenting with sudden onset tic-like movements, seen over 6 months.

Results:

94% of patients were female, with an average age of sudden onset or increase of tic-like movements of 13.7 years. 44% had a previous diagnosis of tics, and 47% initially presented to an emergency department. Comorbid psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders were reported in 91% with 68% reporting anxiety.

Conclusion:

We highlight a dramatic presentation of sudden onset functional tic-like movements in predominantly female adolescents to help inform identification and management. There is need to research the neurobiological underpinnings and environmental exacerbating factors leading to these presentations and to explore effective therapeutic strategies.

Keywords:

adolescent health child psychiatry neurology paediatric emergency medicine psychology

More Related Videos

Generating Acute and Chronic Experimental Models of Motor Tic Expression in Rats

Generating Acute and Chronic Experimental Models of Motor Tic Expression in Rats

Published on: May 27, 2021

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses

Published on: November 10, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Tonsillitis II: Management

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.

Acute Pharyngitis

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Tourette syndrome.

Nature reviews. Disease primers·2026

"Accessible and Acceptable" Drop-In Mental Health Services for Children With Long-Term Conditions: A Mixed-Methods Exploratory Analysis of Integrated Services From a Health Equity Perspective.

Clinical child psychology and psychiatry·2026

Developmental pathways to autism in tuberous sclerosis complex: Evidence from a longitudinal cohort.

Epilepsia·2026

Symptom variation up to two years post-SARS-CoV-2 infection in Children and Young People: results from the Children and young people with Long Covid (CLoCk) study.

BMC infectious diseases·2026

Kinematic Features of Voluntary and Involuntary Head Movements in Cervical Dystonia.

Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society·2026

From Disability to Diagnosis: Baseline Findings from the Calgary Functional Movement Disorder Registry.

Movement disorders clinical practice·2026

See all related articles