Tourette's Syndrome
Medical Author:
Norberto Alvarez, MD
Medical Editor:
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical EditorMelissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.
Tourette's Syndrome OverviewTourette's syndrome is a complex neuropsychiatric condition characterized by the presence of tics, which are usually associated with other disorders such as:
This tic disorder was first described by Georges Gilles de la Tourette in 1885. The first signs and symptoms are seen most often around the ages of 6 to 8; however, in some cases the first signs are seen at an earlier age, and in other cases they start in adolescence. Tourette's syndrome occurs in about 0.5% of school age children, but when chronic tic disorders are included, the prevalence increases to 2% of the general population. |
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Tourette's Syndrome
Topic Overview
What is Tourette's disorder?
Tourette's disorder is a brain condition that starts in childhood. Children with Tourette's make sounds or movements—such as coughing or twitching—that they can't control. These are called tics.
Tics usually start at about age 2. They may be at their worst by age 12. Tics tend to decrease during teenage years. They can continue into adulthood but occur less often and are less severe than in childhood.
What causes Tourette's disorder?
Tourette's tends to run in families. Other things that may increase the risk include:
- A mother who had severe nausea and vomiting during the first trimester of pregnancy, was under severe stress during her pregnancy, or who drank a lot of coffee, smoked cigarettes, or drank alcohol during her pregnancy.
- Not having enough oxygen or blood supply during birth.
- A low birth weight and signs of brain injury or an enlarged section of the brain.
- ...
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Tourette Syndrome »
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a childhood neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor and phonic (vocal) tics.
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