Premonitory Urge
An uncomfortable sensory or mental urge that builds before a tic and is temporarily relieved by performing the tic.
Quick answer
Premonitory urge is the uncomfortable sensory or mental urge experienced before a tic in Tourette syndrome or chronic tic disorders — often described as an itch, tension, or pressure relieved by the tic. ICD-10: F95.2; ICD-11: 8A05.0. A defining experiential feature that distinguishes tics from other movement disorders.
Recognition
Do any of these feel familiar?
People describe a building internal pressure — like the feeling before a sneeze — that requires release through the tic. Many can suppress the tic temporarily but the urge intensifies until release.
What is Premonitory Urge?
An uncomfortable sensory or mental urge that builds before a tic and is temporarily relieved by performing the tic.
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Ask Vidi to help you understand Premonitory Urge and find what may be most relevant for your situation.
Self-care
What You Can Do Now
Self-directed strategies that may support Premonitory Urge alongside professional care.
- Stress and anxiety significantly amplify premonitory urge intensity and tic frequency — stress management is central to tic disorder wellbeing
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