Tourette Syndrome
Tourette syndrome is an often-misunderstood condition that affects children and adults. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, boys are more likely to have Tourette’s. This Web guide describes Tourette syndrome, including its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and where to find support.
What is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition that is inherited. People with Tourette syndrome have involuntary tics and make repeated sounds or movements that they largely have no control over. Use the sites below to learn more about Tourette syndrome, including symptoms and causes.
Dulcinea's Insight
- Tourette syndrome is often abbreviated as TS on the Web.
- A person with TS is often portrayed in movies and television as someone who shouts obscenities or other embarrassing things. This tic is called coprolalia and according to the site Tourettes-Disorder.com, “the majority of Tourette patients do not ever exhibit this symptom.”
Dulcinea's Picks
For an overview of Tourette syndrome …
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
has a comprehensive overview of TS presented in a question-and-answer format. Though the page is text-heavy, the language is plain and easy to read.
Tourette Syndrome Association
offers an FAQ page on TS. Learn what TS is, what the first symptoms are and more.
Cleveland Clinic
presents an overview of Tourette syndrome. Scroll down the page to dispel myths about the condition, such as “All people with TS swear and use obscene language.”
For an overview for children and teens …
KidsHealth
has a page geared toward children that explains what Tourette syndrome is, how it isn’t contagious, and how kids should act around someone who has it. The site offers another page on Tourette syndrome for teenagers.
For symptoms …
Mayo Clinic
describes the symptoms of Tourette syndrome, including simple and complex tics. A table presents some common examples of tics, such as eye blinking, hopping, throat clearing or repeating words.
For causes …
MedicineNet.com
briefly discusses the cause of TS, and links to more information on the regions of the brain that are thought to be affected.
Tourette Syndrome Treatment and Diagnosis
The presence of repeated movements or noises, called tics, form the basis of a Tourette syndrome ... read more »
Tourette Syndrome Management and Support
Approximately 200,000 people in the United States are thought to have Tourette Syndrome, according ... read more »







