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NeurologicalICD-10: F95.2Affects approximately 1 in 160 children in the US, or about 0.3-1% of school-age children

Tourette Syndrome

Also known as: Tourette's disorder, TS, Gilles de la Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics that typically begin in childhood. Tics may range from simple eye blinking or throat clearing to more complex movements and sounds. Many people with Tourette syndrome also have co-occurring conditions such as ADHD or OCD, and symptoms often improve with age.

Symptoms

Simple motor tics such as eye blinking, head jerking, or shoulder shrugging
Complex motor tics involving multiple muscle groups
Simple vocal tics such as throat clearing, sniffing, or grunting
Complex vocal tics including repeating words or phrases
Premonitory urge before a tic occurs
Tics that wax and wane in frequency and intensity
Coprolalia (involuntary swearing) in a minority of cases

Causes

  • Abnormalities in brain circuits involving the basal ganglia, frontal cortex, and thalamus
  • Imbalances in neurotransmitters including dopamine and serotonin
  • Genetic factors with complex inheritance patterns
  • Environmental factors during prenatal or perinatal development

Risk Factors

  • Family history of Tourette syndrome or tic disorders
  • Male sex, with boys three to four times more likely to be affected
  • Onset typically between ages 5 and 10

Diagnosis

  • Clinical evaluation based on DSM-5 criteria requiring motor and vocal tics for at least one year
  • Detailed medical and family history
  • Neurological examination to rule out other movement disorders
  • No specific laboratory test; diagnosis is based on observation

Treatment

  • Behavioral therapy including habit reversal training and CBIT
  • Medications such as alpha-adrenergic agonists (clonidine, guanfacine)
  • Antipsychotics in low doses for severe tics
  • Treatment of co-occurring conditions like ADHD or OCD
  • Supportive educational accommodations
  • Deep brain stimulation for severe refractory cases

Prevention

  • No known prevention
  • Early intervention and education to reduce social and emotional impact

When to See a Doctor

  • Repetitive involuntary movements or sounds in a child
  • Tics that interfere with school performance or social interactions
  • Distress or self-injury related to tics
  • Co-occurring behavioral concerns such as attention difficulties or anxiety

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Mental Health

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Mental Health

Anxiety Disorders

Mental Health

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