What Is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a chronic, neurobehavioral disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. Onset occurs in childhood, and symptoms wax and wane in both tic type and severity over time.

 

A "tic" is an involuntary, repetitive, stereotyped movement or sound that is often preceded by a sensation called a premonitory urge. Some people with TS describe the urge as an "itch" or "tickle" or something that "just doesn't feel right." Once the tic happens, the urge goes away, at least temporarily.

 

Vocal tics may include: 

-throat clearing

-animal/bird noises 

-grunting 

-humming 

-sniffing 

-coughing 

 

Motor tics may include:

-eye blinking

-facial grimacing

-head shaking/jerking

-shoulder shrugging

-arm movements