Gilles de la Tourette syndrome

Overview | Treatment

Definition

A rare disorder characterized by repetitive muscle movements and vocal outbursts.

Alternative names

Tourette's

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Gilles de Tourette's syndrome is a rare but disruptive condition. It involves multiple tics (small, repetitive muscle movements), usually facial tics with grimacing and blinking. Tics may also occur in the shoulders and arms. This is usually accompanied by loud vocalizations, which may include grunts or noises, or uncontrollable (compulsive) use of obscenities or short phrases. The tics are worse during emotional stress and are absent during sleep. The cause is unknown.

It occurs most often in boys, and may begin around age 7 or 8 or not until the child is in his or her late teens or early twenties. It may, at times, run in families.

Prevention

There is no known prevention for this condition.

Symptoms

• facial tics or other tics
• vocalizations (grunts, noises)
• uncontrollable, compulsive use of short phrases or obscenities

Signs and tests

Possible physical causes of the tic are ruled out before a diagnosis of Tourette's is made. No tests are usually necessary.

Overview | Treatment