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.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat 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.
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- 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.”
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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 diagnosis. No blood or lab tests are needed to diagnose the syndrome, though a doctor may use these tests to rule out other conditions. Use this section of the Web guide to learn more about how Tourette syndrome is diagnosed and treated.
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- People with TS have reported being able to delay tics, though the feeling has been described as similar to holding in a sneeze. Though a person can sometimes hold the tic back, sooner or later it has to come out.
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For diagnosis …
MedicineNet.com
explains how TS is diagnosed. Learn the symptoms and conditions that are taken into account when making a Tourette syndrome diagnosis.
For treatment …
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
explains how TS is treated. Read how medication and psychotherapy may be helpful in treating TS.
Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada
lists some of the medications used to treat TS, and discusses other types of therapy that may be helpful.
For clinical trials …
ClinicalTrials.gov
, a clearinghouse operated by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, provides a list of clinical trials currently underway to research Tourette syndrome. To learn more about clinical trials, speak to your doctor, and read the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's guide.
Tourette Syndrome Management and Support
Approximately 200,000 people in the United States are thought to have Tourette Syndrome, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But the condition may affect more than most people think. According to the CDC, as many as “1 in 100 people show a milder form of the disorder, such as chronic or transient tics in childhood.” The sites in this section can help you learn how to manage Tourette syndrome and connect with others online for support.
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- Though TS isn’t as prevalent as other neurological conditions, such as depression, there is a small online community dedicated to helping those affected.
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For kids managing TS …
Planet Tic
is a site developed by Danya International, a health media company. This page offers children tips for managing their tics at school. Another page walks kids through what to say when explaining TS to their friends.
Tourette Syndrome Association
has a page of resources for kids, such as a Web novel about a girl who tries to control her tics, artwork by young artists with TS and success stories about other young people with Tourette syndrome.
For parents who have children with TS …
Tourette Syndrome—Now What?
is a Web site created by a mother whose son has Tourette syndrome. Her goal is to dispel myths by posting research and offer support by sharing peoples’ stories.
Planet Tic
has a series of articles aimed at the family members and friends of a child with TS. Parents can find advice on working with teachers and tips for talking with their other children about TS.
For local groups …
Tourette Syndrome Association
has links to chapters throughout the country where people can find support. Use the clickable map to find a chapter near you.
The Tourette Syndrome Camp Organization
runs a week-long summer camp, plus a winter mini-camp, in Illinois for children and teens with TS.
For TS blogs …
Raising Tourette’s Syndrome Kids
is written by a mother who has two children with TS. Though the blog isn’t regularly updated, the author shares useful insight drawn from her daily struggles raising children with TS.
Slacker-Moms-R-Us
is written by a woman with four children, one of whom is a girl with Tourette syndrome. In this post, she considers putting her daughter on medication.
For TS forums …
Tourette Syndrome Message Boards
has relatively active forums for children and adults. Free registration is required to reply to the posts.
Tourette-Syndrome.com
has message boards for parents, children, doctors and teachers. Register with the site to post messages.
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