Tourette Syndrome

Description

A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by multiple movement (motor) tics and at least one vocal (phonic) tic. These tics are sudden, brief, intermittent movements or sounds. They typically appear in childhood and can vary in type, frequency, and severity over time.

Common Symptoms

• Simple Tics: Eye blinking, head jerking, shoulder shrugging, sniffing, throat clearing.
• Complex Tics: Jumping, twirling, touching objects, uttering words or phrases (including, rarely, inappropriate ones - coprolalia).

Common Causes

• The exact cause is unknown, but it is a complex condition likely caused by a combination of inherited (genetic) and environmental factors. Brain chemicals like dopamine may play a role.

Treatment Information