< Neurology Clinic

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes tics. A tic is a sudden, repetitive movement or uncontrolled sounds. They can occur in any part of the body, vary in severity and frequency, and change over time. Children with Tourette syndrome commonly also have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or anxiety.

Symptoms

Motor tics:

  • Blinking
  • Teeth grinding
  • Foot tapping
  • Shrugging
  • Pinching or hitting self

Vocal tics:

  • Throat clearing
  • Shouting words, phrases, or sounds
  • Tongue clicking
  • Sniffing

Possible Treatments

The team develops the treatment plan at Arkansas Children’s, working with each patient to develop an individualized plan considering the child’s conditions, symptoms, and impact on daily activities. Treatments include:

  • Medications
  • Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) or other behavioral therapies

Meet the Experts: Learn about Tourette Syndrome and the Tourette Clinic at Arkansas Children's

Join us as we talk with Dr. Christopher Manbeck about Tourette Syndrome. What is Tourette Syndrome? What are Tics? Why do Tics happen? What is Tourette's effect on kids and their self-esteem? He also talks about the Tourette Clinic at Arkansas Children's, the only pediatric Tourette Syndrome-focused program in the state. The Arkansas Children's Tourette's Clinic includes a Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) program with a CBIT certified therapist.

Meet the Team