Startle tics - anyone else?

Question

So this all started 8 years ago when I graduated from grad school and entered a dangerous job. I startle VERY easily. Sometimes from someone starting to talk, someone entering a room, a bird tweeting randomly, a sudden sensation. I'll startle but also do tic-like things like say a random syllable or do some specific movement (I have a repertoire of like 8-10 that typically come out).

I suspect this might not be tourette's and might be FND becuase there's no initial urge and it started at age 24ish. It doesn't increase/decrease with stress, just with however much stimulation there is.

Does anyone else have this? I don't have these startles/tics unless theres a stimulus and it feels totally out of my control.

Feeling a little alone and my doctors all say they aren't sure what's going on and pass me to another doc.

Posted Aug 13, 2026, 8:31 PM UTC

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