Visit our foundation to give a gift.
View Locations Near Me
Main Campus – Hartford
Connecticut Children’s – Waterbury
Urgent Care – Farmington
Specialty Care Center – Danbury
Connecticut Children’s Surgery Center at Farmington
Specialty Care Center – Fairfield
Search All Locations
Find a doctor
Find A Doctor
Request an Appointment
Amenities and Services
Who’s Who on Care Team
Getting Ready for Surgery
What to Expect—Picture Stories
Pay a Bill
Understanding the Different Fees
Pricing Transparency and Estimates
Raytheon Technologies Family Resource Center
Family Advisory Council
Legal Advocacy: Benefits, Education, Housing
Electronic Health Records
Share Your Story
Pay a Bill
Login to MyChart
Clinical Support Services Referrals
About the Network
Join the Network
Graduate Medical Education
Continuing Medical Education
MOC/Practice Quality Improvement
Educating Practices in the Community (EPIC)
Learning & Performance
Meet our Physician Relations Team
Request Medical Records
Join our Referring Provider Advisory Board
View our Physician Callback Standards
Read & Subscribe to Medical News
Register for Email Updates
Update Your Practice Information
Refer a Patient
Find and Print Health Info
Health Information For Parents
Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes uncontrolled sudden, repetitive muscle movements and sounds known as tics.
Tourette symptoms typically appear in childhood, usually when kids are between 5–9 years old. It’s not very common, and boys are more likely to be affected than girls.
The tics associated with Tourette syndrome tend to get milder or go away entirely as kids grow into adulthood. Until that happens, though, parents can help their child cope with the condition.
Two types of tics are associated with Tourette syndrome:
Tics are classified as either simple or complex:
At certain times, like when someone is under stress, the tics can become more severe, happen more often, or last longer. Or, the type of tic may change.
Some kids can hold back their tics for a short time. But as tension builds, it eventually has to be released as a tic. And if a person is concentrating on controlling the tic, it may be hard to focus on anything else. This can make it hard for kids with Tourette syndrome to have a conversation or pay attention in class.
Tourette syndrome is a genetic disorder, which means it’s the result of a change in genes that’s either inherited (passed on from parent to child) or happens during development in the womb.
The exact cause of Tourette syndrome isn’t known, but some research points to changes in the brain and problems with how nerve cells communicate. An upset in the balance of neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain that carry nerve signals from cell to cell) might play a role.
Many kids and teens with Tourette syndrome have other behavioral conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), learning disabilities, or anxiety.
To be diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, a child must have several different types of tics — specifically, multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic — for at least a year. They may happen every day or from time to time throughout the year.
A child with Tourette symptoms may need to see a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in problems with the nervous system. The neurologist may ask the child’s parents to keep track of the kinds of tics involved and how often they happen.
There isn’t a specific diagnostic test for Tourette syndrome — instead, the health care provider diagnoses it after taking a family history, medical history, looking at the symptoms, and doing a physical exam. Sometimes, imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging tests (MRIs), computerized tomography (CT) scans, electroencephalograms (EEGs), or blood tests can rule out other conditions that might cause symptoms similar to Tourette syndrome.
Just as Tourette syndrome is different for every person, treatment can be different, too. While there isn’t a cure for Tourette syndrome, most tics don’t get in the way of day-to-day life. If they do, doctors may suggest medicines to help control symptoms.
Tourette syndrome is not a psychological condition, but doctors sometimes refer kids and teens to a psychologist or psychiatrist. Seeing a therapist won’t stop their tics, but it can help to talk to someone about their problems, cope with stress better, and learn relaxation techniques. A therapist also can help them with any other problems, like ADHD, OCD, and/or anxiety.
Tics usually are most severe before the mid-teen years. Most people see great improvement in their late teens to early adulthood, though some will have their tics continue into adulthood.
Many people don’t understand what Tourette syndrome is or what causes it, so they might not know how to act around someone who has tics. If people stare or comment, kids and teens with Tourette syndrome can feel embarrassed and frustrated. Someone who has it might have to explain the condition to others or deal with teasing or gawking.
These tips can help kids with Tourette syndrome cope:
Each person with Tourette syndrome will cope differently with its physical, emotional, and social challenges. Tourette syndrome doesn’t have to disrupt everyday life, though, and kids who have it can enjoy doing the same things as other kids.
Everyone feels anxiety, fear, or worry at some time – it’s normal to worry about school, your friends, your appearance, and tons of other stuff. But for teens with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), these feelings are taken to extremes.
All kids have worries and doubts. But some have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in which their worries compel them to behave in certain ways over and over again. OCD can get better with the right attention and care.
Someone might say you’re obsessed with soccer or something else that you really like, but when someone has a true obsession, it isn’t any fun. Find out more about obsessive-compulsive disorder in this article for kids.
Tourette syndrome is a condition that causes tics — movements or sounds that are repeated over and over. Learn more about Tourette syndrome in this article for kids.
Tourette syndrome affects the body’s brain and nervous system by causing tics – repeated, uncontrollable movements or involuntary vocal sounds.
A tic is a sudden, repetitive movement or sound that some people make, which can be difficult to control.
ADHD is a common medical condition that can affect kids at school, at home, and in friendships. This article is for parents who want to learn more about ADHD and how to help kids get the best diagnosis and care.
Nail biting, hair twirling, thumb sucking, and nose picking – these childhood habits are common. Here’s how to deal with them.
Anxiety is a normal part of growing up, and all kids experience it. But when it becomes extreme, it can interfere with a child’s overall happiness.
What teachers should know about Tourette syndrome, and teaching strategies to help students with TS do their best in school.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
© 1995-2020 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved.
Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.