AAN 2021 | Marked increase in sudden onset of severe tic-like attacks in adolescent girls

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented changes in daily life, some aspects of which have led to unexpected consequences. Since the second wave of SARS-CoV-2 infection, an influx of patients presenting with acute explosive tic-like behaviors has been seen. Tamara Pringsheim, MD, FAAN, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada, discusses the unusual nature of these sudden onset tics, which do not resemble the typical features of Tourette’s syndrome. The tic-like behaviors develop suddenly over a period of hours-days and are often highly complex. The patient demographic is also surprising, with most cases seen in females aged 12-25. This interview took place during the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2021 Annual Meeting.