Tourette’s Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is defined as a neurological disorder and its symptoms include tics, verbal tics and repetitive sounds. TS usually begins in childhood and can persist throughout life. It is more common in males and it is thought that genetic factors may play a role. Tics are one of the most common symptoms of TS. Tics are defined as muscle tension or involuntary muscle movements and can take various forms, such as blinking, frowning, making facial grimaces, neck or shoulder movements. Verbal tics is when some people make meaningless sounds, such as repeating words or phrases, coughing or clearing their throat. Although the cause of TS is not known exactly, it is associated with abnormal activity of certain areas in the brain. An imbalance in the brain of chemicals such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine can also contribute to TS symptoms. TS does not usually require treatment, but symptoms can be treated and managed. A range of treatment options are available, including behavioral therapy, medication and support groups. Behavioral therapy can help reduce symptoms and control tics. Medication can help relieve symptoms and help with tics. In addition, support groups can help connect people with TS and their families and help to cope with the challenges faced in everyday life.TS can vary from person to person in terms of the severity and frequency of symptoms. Some people can cope without treatment to relieve symptoms, but for others, symptoms can negatively affect quality of life. TS can be particularly challenging for children and can cause difficulties at school, in friendships or other social settings. Tourette Syndrome is defined as a neurological disorder and its symptoms include tics, verbal tics and repetitive sounds. Although the exact cause of TS is unknown, it is thought that genetic factors may play a role. There is no cure for TS, but symptoms can be managed and treatment options include behavioral therapy, medication and support groups. Each person's symptoms may be different and doctors will decide whether they need treatment. Untreated symptoms can cause difficulties in daily life, but people with TS have developed many strategies to cope with symptoms. Support groups can also help people with TS and their families to connect and support each other.

Scientific Literature Links

  • Bloch MH, Peterson BS, Scahill L, et al. Adulthood outcome of tic and obsessive-compulsive symptom severity in children with Tourette syndrome. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2006;160(1):65-69. doi:10.1001/archpedi.160.1.65

  • Robertson MM, Eapen V, Singer HS, et al. Gilles de la Tourette syndrome nature, etiology, and treatment of common comorbidities: a systematic review. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2015;27(1):6-26. doi:10.1176/appi.neuropsych.13070167

  • Leckman JF, Zhang H, Vitale A, et al. Course of tic severity in Tourette syndrome: the first two decades. Pediatrics. 1998;102(1 Pt 1):14-19. doi:10.1542/peds.102.1.14

  • Ganos C, Ogrzal T, Schnitzler A, Münchau A. The pathophysiology of echophenomena/echopraxia: relevance to Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. Mov Disord. 2012;27(10):1222-1229. doi:10.1002/mds.25113

  • Knight T, Steeves T, Day L, Lowerison M, Jette N, Pringsheim T. Prevalence of tic disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Pediatr Neurol. 2012;47(2):77-90. doi:10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2012.05.002

YouTube Links

‘’Tourette Syndrome is..’’
‘’2-Minute Neuroscience: Tourette Syndrome’’
Co-funded

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.