Tourette Syndrome

What is Tourette syndrome?

Tourette syndrome is a nervous system disorder that causes tics. Tics are sudden, uncontrolled vocal sounds or movements. Tics first appear in childhood and can vary from child to child. Over time, tics can change or disappear. The tics usually become milder and less frequent in late adolescence and adulthood.

Some children have episodes of tics that can interfere with school or other activities. Tics can be managed by medication, behavioral therapy and psychotherapy. Children with Tourette syndrome are also at risk for other problems such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety and depression.

What are the symptoms of Tourette syndrome?

The first symptoms of Tourette syndrome usually occur between ages 5 and 10. Symptoms can include:

Motor tics:

• Eye blinking
• Grimacing
• Head bobbing, jerking or stretching
• Twirling, hopping, jumping, stomping, kicking, bending or twisting
• Shoulder shrugging
• Stepping in a specific pattern
• Mouth movements or teeth grinding
• Foot tapping
• Pinching or hitting self
• Nose twitching
• Arm flapping
• Touching things or people

Vocal tics:

• Sniffing
• Shouting
• Grunting
• Repeating words or phrases
• Coughing or throat clearing
• Using obscene or swear words
• Barking
• Humming

What causes Tourette syndrome?

Experts do not know the exact cause of Tourette syndrome but is likely due to a combination of genes and environmental factors. Tourette syndrome often appears in families and more often in males. Tourette syndrome may be caused by abnormalities in the brain that affect how different brain regions communicate. Also, a child's emotional and physical health or external stress may add to the development of Tourette syndrome.

How is Tourette syndrome treated?

There is no cure for Tourette syndrome, but treatments can help manage tics. Treatment is based on your child’s symptoms, age and overall health. Your child may not need treatment if their symptoms do not interfere with school or other daily activities. Your care team at Arkansas Children’s is experienced in treating Tourette syndrome and will work with you to develop the best treatment plan for your child.

Treatment options include:

• Medications to help your child manage tics and cope with emotional and social issues.
• Behavioral therapy to help reduce and control tics such as comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Psychotherapy to help your child deal with other related conditions such as ADHD, depression, anxiety and OCD.