Brain, Nervous System and Mental Conditions

Tourette Syndrome




About Tourette Syndrome


Symptoms of Tourette syndrome, which is not contagious, usually emerge in childhood or the teen years. TS isn't common — only about 3 in every 1,000 people have it, and boys are more likely to be affected.

To be diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, a person must have several different types of tics — specifically, multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic.

Signs and Symptoms

The main symptoms of TS are motor tics (sudden, apparently uncontrollable movements like exaggerated blinking of the eyes) or vocal tics (such as repeated throat clearing).



Tics are classified as either simple or complex. Simple motor tics, for example, happen suddenly and separately from other tics and involve just a few muscles. Some examples are eye blinking and grimacing. In contrast, complex motor tics usually involve more muscle groups. For example, someone might touch a body part or another person repeatedly. In rare cases, people with TS might have a tic that makes them harm themselves, such as head banging.



Diagnosing and Treating Tourette Syndrome

Pediatricians and family doctors may refer a child with symptoms of TS to a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in problems with the nervous system. Before TS can be diagnosed, someone must have tics for at least a year. Although tics may occur every day or intermittently throughout the year, for TS to be diagnosed, there must not be a tic-free period longer than 3 months. The neurologist may ask you to keep track of the frequency and kinds of tics your child is having.


Just as TS is different for every person, the treatment for it varies, too. Most tics do not interfere with a child's life and do not require any medication. While there isn't a cure for TS, sometimes doctors suggest medications to help control symptoms that begin to interfere with someone's schoolwork or daily life. Talk to your doctor about whether medication would be right for your child.


Dealing With Tourette Syndrome

Many people don't understand what TS is or what causes it, so they might not know what to make of someone who has TS. And if people stare, kids and teens with TS can feel embarrassed and frustrated. Someone who has it might have to explain the condition to others or deal with teasing or gawking.

The tics usually get milder as kids grow up and might go away in adulthood. But until then, these tips can help kids with TS cope:


Each person with TS will cope differently with its physical, emotional, and social challenges. Because TS doesn't usually restrict activities, though, kids who have it should be able to enjoy and participate in the same activities as their peers, and not let it interfere with their everyday lives.

Reviewed by: Harry S. Abram, MD
Date reviewed: September 2010

Kids Health

