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Tourette (too-RET) syndrome is a nervous system (neurological) disorder that starts in childhood. It involves unusual repetitive movements or unwanted sounds that can't be controlled (tics). For instance, you may repeatedly blink your eyes, shrug your shoulders or jerk your head. In some cases, you might unintentionally blurt out offensive words.

Signs and symptoms of Tourette syndrome typically show up between ages 2 and 12, with the average being around 7 years of age. Males are about three to four times more likely than females to develop Tourette syndrome.

Although there's no cure, you can live a normal life span with Tourette syndrome, and many people with Tourette syndrome don't need treatment when symptoms aren't troublesome. Symptoms of Tourette syndrome often lessen or become quiet and controlled after the teen years.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Tics — sudden, brief, intermittent movements or sounds — are the hallmark sign of Tourette syndrome. Symptoms range from mild to severe. Severe symptoms may significantly interfere with communication, daily functioning and quality of life.

Tics are classified as either:

• Simple tics, which are sudden, brief and repetitive, involving a limited number of muscle groups
• Complex tics, which are distinct, coordinated patterns of movements that involve several muscle groups

Tics involving movement (motor tics) — often facial tics, such as blinking — usually begin before vocal tics do. But the spectrum of tics that people experience is diverse, and there's no typical case.

In addition, if you have Tourette syndrome, your tics may:

• Vary in type, frequency and severity
• Worsen if you're ill, stressed, anxious, tired or excited
• Occur during sleep
• Evolve into different tics over time
• Worsen during teenage years and improve during the transition into adulthood

Before the onset of motor or vocal tics, you'll likely experience an urge called a premonitory urge. A premonitory urge is an uncomfortable bodily sensation, such as an itch, a tingle or tension. Expression of the tic brings relief.

With great effort, some people with Tourette syndrome can temporarily stop a tic or hold back tics until they find a place where it's less disruptive to express them.

When to see a doctor

If you notice your child displaying involuntary movements or sounds, schedule an appointment with your pediatrician. Not all tics indicate Tourette syndrome.

Many children develop tics lasting a few weeks or months that go away on their own. But whenever a child shows unusual behavior, it's important to have a medical evaluation to identify the cause and rule out serious health problems.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

The exact cause of Tourette syndrome isn't known, and there's no known way to prevent it. Tourette is a complex syndrome, likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Theories about the causes of Tourette include:

• Genetics. Tourette syndrome may be an inherited disorder. The specific genes involved in Tourette syndrome are still being defined, although one genetic mutation has been identified as a rare cause of Tourette syndrome.
• Brain abnormalities. Certain chemicals in the brain that transmit nerve impulses (neurotransmitters) may play a role, including dopamine and serotonin.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Appointments & care

At Mayo Clinic, we take the time to listen, to find answers and to provide you the best care.

There's no specific test that can diagnose Tourette syndrome. Instead, doctors must rely on the history of symptoms to diagnose the disorder.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) determines the criteria for a diagnosis of Tourette syndrome. Published by the American Psychiatric Association, the DSM is used by mental health professionals to diagnose certain conditions and by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.

The criteria to diagnose Tourette syndrome include these:

• Both motor tics and vocal tics must be present, although not necessarily at the same time.
• Tics occur several times a day, nearly every day or intermittently, for more than a year. There must not be a break in tics for more than a three-month period.
• The onset of tics occurs before age 18.
• Tics aren't caused by medications, other substances or another medical condition.

Diagnosis of Tourette syndrome may be delayed because families and even doctors are sometimes unfamiliar with the symptoms, or the symptoms may mimic other problems. Eye blinking may be initially associated with vision problems, for instance, while sniffling may be attributed to allergies.

Because other serious health conditions can cause motor or vocal tics, your doctor may suggest having tests to rule out other causes. These tests include blood tests or neuroimaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

People with Tourette syndrome have a normal life span and often lead healthy, active lives. However, having Tourette syndrome may increase your risk of learning, behavioral and social challenges, which can harm your self-image.

In addition, having Tourette syndrome means you're likely to have other related conditions, such as:

• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Learning disabilities
• Sleep disorders
• Depression
• Anxiety disorders

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Your self-esteem may suffer as a result of Tourette syndrome. You may be embarrassed about your tics. You may hesitate to engage in social activities, such as dating or going out in public. As a result, you're at increased risk of depression and substance abuse.

To cope with Tourette syndrome:

• Remember that tics usually get better as you get older. Tics usually reach their peak in the early teens to midteens.
• Reach out to others dealing with Tourette syndrome for information, coping tips and support.

Children with Tourette syndrome

School may pose special challenges for children with Tourette syndrome.

To help your child:

• Become informed. Learn as much as you can about Tourette syndrome. Talk to your doctor about any questions you have.
• Nurture your child's self-esteem. Support your child's personal interests and friendships — both can help build self-esteem.
• Be your child's advocate. Help educate teachers, school bus drivers and others with whom your child interacts regularly.
• Find a support group. To help you cope, seek out a local Tourette syndrome support group. If there aren't any, consider starting one.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

Risk factors for Tourette syndrome include:

• Family history. Having a family history of Tourette syndrome or other tic disorders may increase the risk of developing Tourette syndrome.
• Being male. Males are about three to four times more likely than females to develop Tourette syndrome.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com