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Often, when thinking about Tourette’s, one might picture what has been popularized in television or movies - that people with the syndrome have verbal outbursts. While this is possible in someone with Tourette’s, this image is not all that common. Tourettes can cause an individual to make sudden, brief unwanted movements and sounds of any kind. If you feel an urge for such actions and are accompanied by a sense of relief afterward, you may suffer from Tourette’s syndrome.

What is Tourette's syndrome?

Tourette’s is a neurological disorder that affects an estimated 200,000 children and adults in the United States. Tourette’s is characterized by repetitive, rapid movements or vocal sounds that can embarrass and affect one’s performance in school, work, and social settings. There are two types of tics associated with Tourette’s syndrome:

Motor tics
Vocal tics

What are Motor tics?

Motor tics are sudden, uncontrollable movements, such as grimacing, exaggerated eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, or head jerking.

What are Vocal tics?

Vocal tics are sounds uttered unintentionally, such as repeated humming, sniffing, or throat clearing.

Causes

What causes Tourette's syndrome?

Although the direct cause of Tourette’s syndrome has not yet been determined, many researchers speculate that the disorder is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Differences in certain brain regions, such as the basal ganglia, may affect neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin and play a role in individuals with Tourette's.

Sex: It has been proven that males are about three to four times more likely to develop Tourette’s syndrome.
Family history: Studies have shown that having a family history of Tourette’s might increase the risk of developing the syndrome.

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Symptoms

What are the symptoms of Tourette's syndrome?

Tourette’s is indicated by abnormal movements or sounds that can affect a person’s quality of life. The frequency and intensity of symptoms can vary by person. When the disorder itself is active, symptoms can include compulsive behavior, involuntary movements, and anxiety.

Compulsive behavior: Repeatedly engaging in an excessive behavior or action, despite the harmful consequences, is known as compulsive behavior. Examples of compulsive behavior in someone with Tourette’s can include meaningless repetition of words or sounds, repeatedly blinking the eyes, and shrugging the shoulders.
Involuntary movements: Occur when the body moves uncontrollably and unintendedly, usually in a complex fashion. Examples of involuntary movements in someone with Tourette’s can include obscene gestures, arm or head jerking, and long spasms.
Anxiety: People with Tourette’s often experience anxiety that may cause tics to become more severe and more frequent.

Diagnosis

When do people develop Tourette's syndrome?

Tics most commonly develop during childhood, between ages 2 and 15. Tics that begin after the age of 18 are not considered symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome.

How is Tourette's syndrome diagnosed?

Although there's no specific test that can diagnose Tourette syndrome, the diagnosis is based on the history of your signs and symptoms.

How do I get tested for Tourette's syndrome?

If you or your child has one or more symptoms of Tourette’s, the first step to being diagnosed is to visit a medical professional or neurologist. Tell your doctor what signs you have noticed, and ask them for guidance and next steps. After evaluating your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may order several neuroimaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT), to rule out other conditions that might be mistaken with Tourette’s syndrome.

Treatment

How to treat Tourette's syndrome?

There are numerous resources to help manage the symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome. However, because symptoms often do not cause impairment, some people with Tourette’s syndrome require no treatment. Treatment may include medication and behavioral therapies for people whose symptoms interfere with daily functioning.

Medications: Drugs that block dopamine, such as haloperidol and pimozide, are most consistently used to suppress tics. A healthcare provider should carefully prescribe these drugs as they may cause side effects.
Behavioral therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Interventions for Tics (CBIT), including habit-reversal training, awareness training, and competing response training, can be used to monitor and reduce tics. Studies have shown that identifying premonitory urges and learning to move in a manner incompatible with a tic can also relieve symptoms.

How can I get diagnosed and treated for Tourette's syndrome?

Although there is no direct cure for Tourette’s syndrome, there are numerous ways to receive help as research leads to safer, more innovative treatments. If you believe someone you love or know may suffer from Tourette’s, alert them of your concerns immediately. Seek medical attention from a medical professional at TeleMed2U and consult virtually with a neurologist, all from the comfort of your home.

References

Tourette syndrome - Symptoms and causes. (2018, August 8). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tourette-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20350465

Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet | National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tourette-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet#3231_5

Watson, S. (2014, May 30). Tourette’s Syndrome. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/brain/tourettes-syndrome#1-2

Information

Medically reviewed by:

Dr Roy Kedem, MD

Dr Roy Kedem started his premedical studies at Harvard, and research in genetics and gene sequencing at Harvard, Beth Israel. He attended medical school in the UK at the Cambridge Overseas Medical Program in 1998. Dr Kedem then completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in Stamford, Connecticut and his fellowship in Hospital Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio.

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