Tourette’s Syndrome

Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder that begins in childhood, usually sometime between ages two and 12 with the average being around seven years. However, symptoms usually lessen after the teenage years. Males are about three to four times more likely than females to develop this disorder. Tourette’s disorder is associated with simple (sudden, brief, and repetitive) and/or complex (distinct, coordinated patterns) tics that are motor and vocal. Tics may vary in type, frequency, and severity. They may worsen if you’re ill, stressed, anxious, tired, or excited. Tics may occur during sleep and may evolve into different tics over time.

 

Common motor tics
SIMPLE: Eye blinking Head jerking Shoulder shrugging Eye darting Finger flexing Sticking the tongue out		COMPLEX: Touching the nose Touching other people Smelling objects Obscene gesturing Flapping the arms Hopping
Common vocal tics
SIMPLE: Hiccupping Yelling Throat clearing Barking		COMPLEX: Using different tones of voice Repeating one’s own words or phrases Repeating others’ words or phrases Using vulgar, obscene, or swear words

 

What should I do if I notice my child has tics?

• Schedule an appointment with your pediatrician and/or an evaluation by Tashawna K. Duncan, Ph.D., P.A.

I have noticed other problems with my child besides tics, what could those problems be due to?

• A thorough evaluation by Tashawna K. Duncan, Ph.D., P.A. is the best way to determine what other problems your child may be experiencing. Common conditions associated with Tourette’s syndrome include Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), learning disabilities, sleep disorders, depression, or anxiety.