Pronounced: tuh-RET SIN-drohm
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a nervous system disorder that causes motor and vocal tics that a person cannot control. Tics are fast sounds or motions that repeat.
Many people with TS also have related problems, such as:
The exact cause is not known. Certain genes and brain chemicals are thought to play a role.
Genetic MaterialTS is inherited through genes, which make up DNA. Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
A person with TS has tics that they cannot control. They often happen every day and range from mild to severe. They may happen less when a person is distracted and more during times of stress.
Problems may be:
Tics may happen throughout life. Symptoms may get better during the late teen years.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. This is often enough to make the diagnosis.
The goal of treatment is to manage symptoms. A doctor who treats the nervous system can help. Choice are:
Behavioral therapies can help a person develop habits to manage tics. Therapy may include:
Psychotherapy may also be used to learn how to cope with the disorder.
Most people do not need medicine. It may be given to people whose tics are severe and not helped by other methods.
Some medicines that may ease tics are:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov
Tourette Syndrome Association
http://www.tsa-usa.org
About Kids Health—The Hospital for Sick Children
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada
http://www.tourette.ca
Budman CL. The Role of Atypical Antipsychotics for Treatment of Tourette's Syndrome: An Overview. Drugs. 2014 Jul;74(11):1177-1193.
Tourette syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/tourette-syndrome . Updated August 13, 2018. Accessed April 9, 2020.
Tourette syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tourette-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet. Updated March 17, 2020. Accessed April 9, 2020.
Last reviewed February 2020 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated: 4/9/2020