Encyclopedia of Neurological Disorders | Tourette Syndrome

Definition

Tourette syndrome (TS) is an inherited neurological disorder that typically appears in childhood. The main features of TS are repeated movements and vocalizations called tics. TS can also be associated with behavioral and developmental problems.

Description

Tourette syndrome is a variable disorder with onset in childhood. Though symptoms can appear anywhere between the ages of two and 18, typical onset is around age six or seven. Tics, which may be motor or vocal, tend to wax and wane (increase and decrease) in severity over time. Facial tics, such as rapid blinking or mouth twitches, are the most common initial sign of TS. Other early symptoms include involuntary sounds such as throat clearing and sniffing, or tics of the limbs. Symptoms usually intensify during teenage years and diminish in late adolescence or early adulthood. Patients may also develop co-occurring behavioral disorders, namely...