What is Tourette syndrome?
Tourette syndrome (sometimes shortened to just Tourette's) is a neurological disorder that affects the brain and nervous system. It causes tics, which are sudden movements or sounds that a person makes over and over and can’t easily control. Tics usually start in childhood, often between the ages of 5 and 10.
There are two main types of tics:
- Motor tics involve body movements like blinking, head jerking or shoulder shrugging
- Vocal tics include sounds like throat clearing, grunting or sniffing
Tics can also be simple (like eye blinking or sniffing) or complex, involving a series of movements or repeated words and phrases.
Tourette syndrome symptoms often get better with time. Many people see fewer or milder tics as they grow older. While there’s no cure, treatment, therapy and support can help manage Tourette's symptoms and improve everyday life.
Tourette syndrome symptoms
Tourette syndrome causes tics—sudden, repeated movements or sounds that you can’t control. Tics are the main symptom of Tourette syndrome and usually start in early childhood, typically in the head and neck. They can be mild or more noticeable, and sometimes they change over time. Tics are often worse during times of stress, excitement or fatigue.
There are two types of tics: motor and vocal. Each type can be simple or complex, depending on how many muscle groups are involved and how the tic appears.
Not everyone with Tourette syndrome experiences both motor and vocal tics, and not everyone has complex tics. Some people may only have mild tics that don’t interfere with daily life, while others may have more noticeable symptoms.
When to see a doctor
If you or your child has repeated movements or sounds that seem hard to control, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor. While tics may be mild or come and go, a medical provider can help figure out what’s going on and whether treatment or support is needed.
Early diagnosis can lead to better management, especially if tics affect daily life. Your primary care doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist or a mental health provider, for further care.
Risk factors for Tourette syndrome
While the exact cause of Tourette syndrome isn’t fully understood, researchers believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors plays a role. Some people may be more likely to develop the condition based on their family history, prenatal environment or biological sex. Understanding these risk factors can help with early detection, diagnosis and support.
Here are some common risk factors:
- Family history: Tourette syndrome tends to run in families. If a parent, sibling or other close relative has tics or a tic disorder, you may have a higher risk of developing the condition.
- Prenatal health: Certain pregnancy-related issues—such as complications during birth, maternal stress or illness, smoking during pregnancy or low birth weight—can affect brain development and increase the risk of Tourette syndrome.
- Associated conditions: Individuals with certain conditions such as attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have a higher risk of Tourette syndrome.
- Sex: Boys are three to four times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with Tourette syndrome. Researchers don’t yet know why, but sex-related differences in brain development and hormones may play a role.
Complications
Many people with Tourette syndrome lead full, healthy lives. But the condition can sometimes cause challenges that affect your well-being and daily life. Severe tics may lead to self-injury, and other tics can cause embarrassment, low self-esteem or make you want to avoid social situations.
Tourette syndrome often occurs alongside other behavioral health conditions, also called co-occurring conditions. These may include:
- Anxiety disorders
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Depression
- Learning disabilities
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
- Sensory processing issues
- Sleep disorders
- Functional neurological disorder (FND)
How is Tourette syndrome diagnosed?
Tourette syndrome is diagnosed by looking at your symptoms and medical history. There’s no single test to confirm it, so your doctor will focus on when your tics started, how often they happen and if something else could be causing them.
To rule out other conditions, your doctor may order tests like blood work or brain imaging (such as an MRI or CT scan). You may also be referred to a neurologist, psychiatrist or developmental specialist for further evaluation.
To be diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, all of the following must be true:
- You have both motor and vocal tics, though they don’t have to happen at the same time.
- Tics have been present for at least one year, even if they come and go.
- Symptoms started before age 18.
- The tics aren’t caused by another medical condition or medication.
Tourette syndrome treatment
There’s no cure for Tourette syndrome, but treatment can help you feel more in control. Many people find that the right care makes tics less severe and helps with related conditions like anxiety or ADHD. Your doctor may recommend medication, therapy or lifestyle changes based on your age, symptoms and overall health.
Treatment looks different for everyone. Whether your goal is to reduce tics, manage emotions or build confidence, your care team will create a plan that works for you.
Find specialized care for Tourette syndrome
At Baylor Scott & White, we offer several locations for the care and treatment of conditions like Tourette syndrome and other neurological disorders in North and Central Texas. Whether you are seeking a diagnosis, looking for treatment or require ongoing support, we’re here for you.
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