Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological (nervous system) disorder. It causes involuntary, repetitive, and sudden movements or vocal sounds called “tics.” TS is a chronic condition, and symptoms can last into adulthood. But TS can change throughout a person’s life. Tics may become milder and less frequent as people grow older. However, the disorder does not get worse over time.
TS can affect how a person acts in social, educational, or work settings. This can make these situations difficult or stressful. But TS is not a measure of intelligence. It’s important to learn about TS even if you don’t have it or don’t know someone who has it.
No one knows what causes TS, but some research points to a change in the genes that control how the brain communicates with the rest of the body.
What are tics?
Tics usually begin between the ages of 5 and 10. Motor tics (body movements) typically appear before vocal tics (making sounds). Tics can be short, simple actions or complex patterns of movements.
Motor tics might look like:
- Eye blinking or other eye movements
- Grimacing
- Shrugging
- Head or shoulder jerking
- Touching an object
- Jumping
- Bending
- Twisting
Vocal tics might sound like:
- Repetitive throat clearing
- Sniffing
- Barking
- Grunting
- Repeating words or phrases
- Using vulgar or offensive words or phrases
It’s important to remember that tics are involuntary, no matter their severity or type. Sometimes tension will build in a person to a point where they need to complete their tic just to stop the urge. Excitement, anxiety, stress, uncomfortable clothing, or hearing certain sounds (such as sniffing or throat clearing) are common triggers for tics. They are less likely to happen during calm, focused activities or in deep sleep.
Less than 1% of children in the United States are thought to have TS, but researchers predict about half of those cases are undiagnosed. If tics occur for at least a year and begin before the age of 18, it may be worth asking a health care provider about TS.
How is Tourette syndrome diagnosed?
Sometimes it can take a while to get a TS diagnosis. Parents and doctors may not recognize tics as signs of TS. They make think they are temporary developmental behaviors or caused by another condition. The Tourette Association of America has resources to find a provider with TS-specific training and experience.
Primary care providers, pediatricians, and mental health specialists can all diagnose tic disorders . Generally, they will ask:
- How long the patient has had tics
- How frequently they experience tics
- Whether the tics are brought on by any medications, substances, or other health conditions
In rare cases, a health care provider may recommend an imaging study. This is to rule out other conditions that may be causing the tics.
Can Tourette syndrome be treated?
It can, but treatment is not necessary unless a person’s tics interfere with their everyday life. Many people can manage their tics more easily in adulthood. If tics do interfere with daily life, a health care provider may prescribe medication or behavioral therapy. Psychotherapy can also help people cope with TS or the effects of co-occurring conditions.
There is currently no cure for TS.
What conditions can co-occur with Tourette syndrome?
A co-occurring disorder is when someone has two or more disorders or illnesses at the same time. About 83% of children diagnosed with TS also have at least one of the following conditions:
- Anxiety
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Behavioral problems
- Learning disabilities
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Developmental delays
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Depression
- Speech or language problems
While TS is not an intellectual disability, it’s still important for students living with TS to have the support they need in school. This could mean tutoring, smaller class sizes, or having private spaces to take exams or study. Adults with TS may also need accommodation at work.
How can I support someone with Tourette syndrome?
NIH has more information about TS and there are resources to help those living with TS talk about their condition with friends and family, teachers, coworkers, medical professionals, and even law enforcement. Bullying is a major problem for people with TS , especially children. Anyone can be an advocate and stand up for those with TS. So be more than a bystander when you see bullying.
If you have TS, think about joining an NIH clinical trial. This research helps doctors better understand and treat the condition. NIH has more resources to help.
