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

Symptoms

TS and Tic Disorders are likely to be caused by complex interactions between genetic and other factors which may vary in different individuals. Studies are underway to find the genes and other factors underlying the development of these disorders.

Tic behaviors seen in TS change over time and vary in complexity. Symptoms are often defined in two categories:

Motor tics or movements. Simple motor tics include: eye blinking, facial grimacing, jaw movements, head bobbing/jerking, shoulder shrugging, neck stretching, and arm jerking. Complex motor tics involve multiple muscle groups (e.g., hopping, twirling, jumping).
Vocal/Phonic tics produce a sound. Simple vocal tics include: sniffing, throat clearing, grunting, hooting, and shouting. Complex vocal tics are words or phrases that may or may not be recognizable but occur out of context.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Tics and TS is based on the child’s history and a thorough physical examination by a specialist. Criteria used to diagnose Tourette syndrome include:

Both motor tics and vocal tics are present, although not necessarily at the same time
Tics occur several times a day, nearly every day or intermittently, for more than a year
Tics begin before age 18
Tics aren't caused by medications, other substances, or another medical condition

Treatment

In many cases, TS is not disabling. Development may proceed normally and there is no need for treatment. However, when tics interfere with school performance or if there are other disorders also present (obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), some medications are available.