Tourette Syndrome:

Information and Resources

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a type of neurological condition that is characterized by tics. Tics are repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations. TS symptoms tend to emerge in childhood. These symptoms include:

• Excessive eye blinking and other vision abnormalities
• Facial grimaces
• Shrugging of the shoulders
• Involuntary head and/or shoulder jerking
• Self-harm actions (such as punching one’s face)
• Coprolalia (uttering expletives)
• Echolalia (repeating the words or phrases of others)

Other neurobehavioral symptoms also include:

• Inattention
• Hyperactivity and impulsivity
• Obsessive-compulsive symptoms (such as intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors)

Treating Tourette Syndrome

For many children with TS, tics often do not cause impairment or damage. Therefore, most children don’t need any medication to suppress these tics. 

However, for children whose tics are severe and interfere with daily life, medications are available to control the tics. There is no one medication that is beneficial to all persons with TS. Medication also does not usually result in children with TS becoming asymptomatic. 

Medication and behavioral therapy are also available to treat the associated neurobehavioral symptoms that may occur in children with TS.

Tourette Syndrome Prognosis

TS is a chronic disorder that may have long-lasting symptoms. However, most persons with TS may experience the worst symptoms during early adolescence and then improve in their late adolescence and adulthood. A few persons with TS may even become asymptomatic in their adulthood and not require any tic-suppression medications.

Accessing Healthcare

for Tourette Syndrome

If your child shows one or more TS symptoms, then we invite you to contact us for an initial consultation. Our team of experts at Family Neurology will work with you and your child from diagnosis to the required treatment and interventions. We will ensure that you are included in the development of the best treatment plan for your child to ensure his/her best quality of life now and in the future.

Tourette Syndrome Resources

Research Institutions

The research programs of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) and other institutes of the NIH focus on developing effective TS treatments. The NINDS also funds additional research in major medical institutions across America. 

The information about TS comes from several medical and scientific subject areas such as genetics, neuroimaging, neuropathology, epidemiology, neurophysiology, and neuroimmunology. Studies about TS also include clinical trials as well as descriptive and diagnostic clinical services. The results of these scientific investigations will inform more effective treatment and therapies for persons with TS. 

Organizations

Tourette Association of America

This association serves individuals with TS and also funds related scientific research. It also has chapters in each state and maintains contacts with 45 foreign countries. Persons making inquiries will also get free material and a local physician referral listing. The association also publishes a quarterly newsletter geared toward persons with TS, families, medical professionals and researchers.