Brief, repetitive, stereotyped, coordinated movements occurring at irregular intervals are characteristic of which phenomenon?

• A. Tremors
• B. Dystonia
• C. Tics
• D. Chorea

Answer: (C)

Think of movements that come in brief bursts, are repetitive and stereotyped, and happen at irregular, intermittent times. That pattern is characteristic of tics. Tics are coordinated enough to be purposeful in appearance but are repetitive and subject to a hiccup in timing, which sets them apart from other movement disorders.

Tremors, by contrast, are rhythmic and oscillatory—often at rest or with action. Dystonia involves sustained, patterned contractions that cause twisting postures, not brief repetitive movements. Chorea presents with rapid, irregular, non-stereotyped, flowing motions that look more random than repetitive. So the description aligns with tics, which can include brief, repetitive, stereotyped movements (and often can be temporarily suppressed or followed by a urge).