What is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped,
involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. The first symptoms of TS are almost always
noticed in childhood.
Some of the more common tics include eye blinking and other vision irregularities, facial
grimacing, shoulder shrugging, and head or shoulder jerking.
Perhaps the most dramatic and disabling tics are those that result in self-harm such as
punching oneself in the face, or vocal tics including coprolalia (uttering swear words) or
echolalia (repeating the words or phrases of others).
Many with TS experience additional neurobehavioral problems including inattention,
hyperactivity and impulsivity, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms such as intrusive
thoughts/worries and repetitive behaviors.
Is there any treatment?
Because tic symptoms do not often cause impairment, the majority of people with TS require
no medication for tic suppression. However, effective medications are available for those
whose symptoms interfere with functioning. There is no one medication that is helpful to all
people with TS, nor does any medication completely eliminate symptoms. Effective
medications are also available to treat some of the associated neurobehavioral disorders that
can occur in patients with TS.
Can TS be treated?
Although TS can be a chronic condition with symptoms lasting a lifetime, most people with the
condition experience their worst symptoms in their early teens, with improvement occurring
in the late teens and continuing into adulthood. As a result, some individuals may actually
become symptom free or no longer need medication for tic suppression.
Compiled from US National Institutes of Health
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