What is TS?

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder that was named for a French neuropsychiatrist who successfully assessed the disorder in the late 1800’s. His name was George Gilles de la Tourette (1857-1904).

TS typically becomes evident in early childhood or adolescence between the ages of 2 and 15 and is defined by at least 2 motor tics and at least one vocal (phonic) tic that have been present for more than 1 year. Tics characteristically wax and wane and TS is defined as part of a spectrum of tic disorders, which includes transient and chronic tics.

Many people have both motor and vocal (phonic) tics. The first symptoms usually are involuntary movements (called “tics”) of the face, arms, limbs or trunk. These tics are frequent, repetitive and rapid. The most common first symptom is a facial tic (eye blink, nose twitch, grimace), and is replaced or added to by other tics.

These involuntary tics (outside of the individual’s control) may also be complex, involving various parts of the entire body and motions such as kicking and stomping. Many people report what are described as premonitory urges — the urge to perform a motor or vocal (phonic) activity. Other symptoms such as touching, repetitive thoughts, movements, and compulsions can occur.

There are also verbal (phonic) tics. These verbal (phonic) tics often occur with the movements; later they may replace one or more motor tics. These vocalizations include grunting, throat clearing, shouting and barking. The verbal (phonic) tics may also be expressed as coprolalia (the involuntary use of obscene words or socially inappropriate words and phrases) or copropraxia (obscene gestures). Despite widespread publicity, coprolalia/copropraxia is uncommon with Tic Disorders. Echophenomena is also reported, although less frequently. This may include repeating a word said by others (echolalia), repeating one’s own words (palilalia), and repeating the movements of others. Neither echolalia (echo speech) nor coprolalia/copropraxia is necessary for the diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome.

Although the symptoms of TS vary from person to person and range from very mild to severe, the majority of cases fall into the mild category. Quite often, individuals have co-occurring conditions alongside TS.  Often, co-occurring conditions can include ADHD/ADD, impulsiveness, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and learning disabilities. There is usually a family history of tics and Tourette Syndrome, and the disorder occurs in all ethnic groups.

Most people with TS and other Tic Disorders will lead productive lives. There are no barriers to achievement in their personal and professional lives. People with TS can be found in all professions. A goal of the Tourette Association of America is to educate both individuals impacted by TS and the public of the many facets of Tic Disorders. Increased public understanding and tolerance of TS symptoms are of paramount importance to our community.