How many seconds does a tic last?

[blueberry muffin]

I've read that one tic can last anywhere from 1-3 seconds, depending on the type. Tonic or dystonic tic (such as turning the neck to one side in a sustained position) could last 3 seconds. Clonic tics are usually much briefer. Could a voluntary behavior such as muscle contracting of an area last way way way longer than 3 seconds and still be considered a tic? For example if lets say the act involved, in an adult, contracting the fore-arm muscle for up to 5 minutes, 10 min, 60 mins, even multiple hours-That would just be unusual behavior not a tic, right? Because a tic is RAPID, and And it is not some type of movement disorder as one sees w/ involuntary spasms like dystonia, the behavior would be voluntary.

 

And don't say it's dystonia because as I've said, this would be a voluntary behavior, whereas dystonia is involuntary. I just want to verify that it couldn't possibly be a tonic tic.

[Chemar]

if you feel you "have to do it" it may be OCD morphing with a tic

 

this is fairly common is TS and such tourettic OCD can last for long periods

[blueberry muffin]

if you feel you "have to do it" it may be OCD morphing with a tic

 

this is fairly common is TS and such tourettic OCD can last for long periods

 

Hi Chemar-

 

Thank you for replying to my post. No it doesn't feel like "I have to do it" as in a obsessive compulsive scenario or premonitory urge. So I think it may be a somatoform disorder issue Somatoform disorder on emedicine Good luck to others seeking out information on this type of stuff.