Tics and Tourette Syndrome
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by multiple repeated tics. Tics are abrupt, purposeless, and involuntary movements or vocal sounds. Some are mild and barely noticeable while others can be severe and disruptive.
TS is one type of tic disorder. Others include Chronic Tic Disorder (Motor or Vocal Type) and Provisional Tic Disorder. The three Tic Disorders are distinguished by the types of tics present (motor, vocal/ phonic, or both) and by the length of time that the tics have been present.
Individuals with Tourette Syndrome (TS) have had at least two motor tics and at least one vocal/ phonic tic in some combination over the course of more than a year. By contrast, individuals with Chronic Tic Disorder have either motor tics or vocal tics that have been present for more than a year, and individuals with Provisional Tic Disorder have tics that have been present for less than a year.
Overview of Tics and Tourette Syndrome