The syndrome is named after Georges Gilles de la Tourette, a French physician and neurologist. He was credited with defining the syndrome in 1885 after spending many years studying why certain people displayed sudden twitches and vocalisations.

Tics are involuntary and very few people will describe the sensation of ticcing as enjoyable. However, performing a tic can give a feeling of relief.

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a genetic, neurological disorder that occurs during childhood. Not all children that inherit the TS gene display the traits that are associated with the disorder. Boys more commonly inherit the gene associated with TS. The ratio of girls vs. boys being diagnosed with TS is 1:4

Although tics are involuntary, many people are able to suppress their tics for a short time. A helpful way of understanding this is to compare it to blinking. For a short period of time it is possible to keep your eyes wide open and avoid blinking – and with practice you will get better at doing it for longer – but eventually you will have to blink as the urge is too strong to control. Suppressing tics works in the same way. It can take a great measure of concentration – especially to begin with – to resist the urge to tic, but with practice a certain level of control can be applied. Some people will be able to suppress their tics more easily than others.

It is quite common for children with TS to suppress their tics at school, yet families will notice a marked increase in their child’s tics once they get home. This is likely to be a result in the change of environment. School is very structured and has reinforcers that may make a child want to control their tics. In comparison home life is more relaxed and therefore helps children to feel at ease with expressing their tics.

The term ‘tic attack’ is often used to describe bouts of severe, continuous, non-suppressible and disabling tics which can last from a few minutes to several hours. They often include whole body writhing movements, muscle tensing and shaking. Tic attacks can create a lot of anxiety for the individual experiencing them and their families.

You can read more about tic attacks and how to cope with them in our factsheet (see right hand column for download).

No. At the moment the exact gene and neurons that cause TS are not known so there is no cure. Medication can in some cases help with easing the tics associated with TS but at the moment there is no specific cure.

Remission can occur in adulthood. Some literature reports that 1/3 of adults will stay the same, 1/3 will get worse & 1/3 will get better & for some this carried on into adulthood. Tics may never completely go away however for many lessen to a point where they are less intrusive. This could be because they learn how to supress them better or find another outlet for them instead of them being so noticeable. In adulthood they can come back to being noticeable, often related to traumatic or large events.

No, TS is not categorised as a mental health disorder, it is a neurological disorder. However many of the disorders that co-exist with TS like ADHD, OCD or depression are recognised mental health disorders and the psychological impact or issues associated with TS are treatable by mental health practitioners.

This term is used when a disease or disorder occurs simultaneously with another disease or disorder. (find out more)

Tics are involuntary movements and it is counter-productive to tell a child off when they tic and tell them to stop as they cannot help themselves. If they feel unable to tic in front of friends and family they may suppress their tics, which is tiring, and they will still tic in private.

For many children, these body movements and noises can be confusing and it is productive to encourage them to talk about them with you and let their tics out when they need to.

For many children these body movements and noises can be confusing and it is productive to encourage them to talk about them with you and let their tics out when they need to.

Many children say that once they know what is happening to their body it is easier to handle, and they are happy to be able to explain to other people.

Those diagnosed with TS can expect to live to normal life expectancy.

Some people with TS are able to suppress their tics for a limited time. Some children suppress their tics when at school or in a doctor's surgery.

This can be tiring. When a child comes home from school, they may be too tired to suppress or they simply feel comfortable enough to express their tics.

If your child suppresses in front of a doctor it can be helpful to video the child's tics at home. This could help with diagnosis and explaining to school what your child is holding in.

Some parents worry that a diagnosis will pigeon hole their child. Of course TS contributes to who a person is, but as with any health condition, you are not defined by your diagnosis. This is why it is vital that children with TS receive support and encouragement at school and home, to help develop their full range of capabilities as a person.

Most people choose when to disclose their TS, for example it might be appropriate to let an employer know but not necessary to inform a landlord. A diagnosis is useful in making sure that you receive equality and support across all areas in life.

This is not always a simple choice for parents to make. a proper diagnosis is the first step toward helping your child receive the appropriate care and support they need. It's always best to consult with medical experts to ensure your child's well-being.

If your child has developed a tic, it is advisable to seek a professional evaluation from a medical expert, especially if the tic persists, worsens, or if you have concerns about its impact on your child's well-being or daily functioning. A proper diagnosis can help determine the cause of the tic and guide appropriate management and support.

If you suspect that your child may have Tourette Syndrome (TS) and your GP is dismissing the tics as mere habits, it's important to advocate for your child's health and seek a second opinion if necessary. While tics can sometimes be transient and related to habits, it's crucial to properly evaluate and diagnose any underlying neurological conditions, such as TS.