FAQ

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological condition characterized by motor and vocal tics. Tics are sudden, rapid, repetitive movements or sounds that a person does not intend to make. To meet diagnostic criteria:

  • Both multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic have occurred at some point (not necessarily at the same time);

  • Tics have been present for more than one year, often occurring daily or in bouts; and

  • Symptoms tend to wax and wane, changing in frequency, intensity, or type over time.

Although tics are often described as “involuntary,” many people with TS can temporarily suppress them. This suppression can be uncomfortable and often leads to a rebound effect later. Stress, anxiety, or fatigue may increase tics, while relaxation and focused activities may reduce them.  

What do tics look and sound like?

Tics vary widely from person to person. There are two main categories:

  • Motor tics: eye blinking, facial movements, head jerking, shoulder shrugging, or limb movements

  • Vocal tics: throat clearing, sniffing, coughing, humming, or other sounds

More complex tics can include touching objects or people, repeating movements, or saying words or phrases. The range of tics seen in TS is very broad, and symptoms may change over time.

 

Is swearing and obscene language part of tourette syndrome?

Coprolalia—the involuntary use of socially inappropriate or offensive words or phrases—can be a feature of Tourette Syndrome for some people. It is uncommon, but it is also a real and valid experience within the TS community. Media portrayals often focus disproportionately on this symptom, which can contribute to misunderstanding and stigma. Tourette Syndrome presents differently for each individual, and no single symptom defines the condition or the person. It is estimated around 15% of people with Tourette Syndrome experience this symptom.

 

is tourette syndrome inherited?

Yes. Research indicates that TS is highly heritable, with estimates suggesting it is approximately 77% inherited. However, how TS shows up—and how severe symptoms are—can vary greatly even within the same family.

 

How is Tourette Syndrome diagnosed?

There is no single test for TS. Diagnosis is made through:

  • Clinical observation of symptoms

  • A review of medical history and symptom onset

In some cases, doctors may order tests such as blood work or brain imaging to rule out other conditions. These tests do not diagnose TS but help exclude other explanations.

 

What are the first symptoms?

Early symptoms often appear in childhood and commonly include:

  • Eye blinking or facial movements

  • Throat clearing or sniffing

  • Small, repetitive movements of the head, shoulders, or limbs

For some individuals, symptoms begin gradually; for others, they may appear more suddenly.

 

Do people with ts have other conditions as well?

Many individuals with TS also experience co-occurring conditions, sometimes referred to as co-morbidities. These may include:

  • Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Anxiety or depression

  • Learning differences

  • Sleep difficulties

Not everyone with TS has these conditions, but addressing them can be an important part of overall care and quality of life.

 

How is TS treated?

Not everyone with TS needs treatment. When symptoms interfere with daily life, options may include:

  • Behavioral therapy, such as Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)

  • Medication, prescribed by a qualified medical professional

  • Supportive therapies, including counseling, stress management, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques

Treatment plans are individualized and may change over time.

 

Is early diagnosis important?

Yes! Early diagnosis can help reduce misunderstanding, stigma, and emotional distress. Supportive interventions can improve self-esteem, peer relationships, and overall functioning—especially during childhood and adolescence.

 

Do students with ts need school accommodations?

Some students with TS benefit from accommodations such as:

  • Extended testing time

  • Quiet or private testing environments

  • Permission to take breaks when tics are overwhelming

  • Use of technology for writing or note-taking

Students may qualify for a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP), depending on their needs.

 

Is there a cure for ts?

There is currently no cure for TS, but many people experience improvement over time. Symptoms often lessen in late adolescence or early adulthood, and some individuals experience partial or full remission.

 

what services and support are available?

The Tourette Association of America and its local chapters provide:

  • Education and resources

  • Support groups and peer mentoring

  • Advocacy and public awareness efforts

  • Referrals to medical and allied professionals

  • Community events and programs

These services help individuals and families feel supported, informed, and connected.

 

How many people in the U.S. have TS?

Since many people with TS have yet to be diagnosed, there are no absolute figures. The official estimate by the National Institutes of Health is that 200,000 Americans have TS. Some genetic studies suggest that the figure may be as high as one in fifty if those with chronic multiple tics and/or transient childhood tics are included in the count.

 

What is the history of TS?

In 1825 the first case of TS was reported in medical literature with a description of the Marquise de Dampierre, a noblewoman whose symptoms included involuntary tics of many parts of her body and various vocalizations including coprolalia and echolalia. Later, Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette, the French neurologist for whom the disorder is named, first described nine cases in 1885. Samuel Johnson, the lexicographer, and Andre Malraux, the French author, are among the famous people who are thought to have had TS. Current famous individuals with TS include Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi, Tim Howard, and Howie Mandel.

 

What is the Tourette Syndrome Association?

The Tourette Association of America, founded in 1972, is the only national organization serving the community, and works to raise awareness, advance research, and provide ongoing support to patients and families impacted by Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders. To this end, the TAA directs a network chapters, support groups, and Centers of Excellence across the country. The TAA is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

Mission:

The mission of the Tourette Association of America is to provide help and hope to those affected by Tourette Syndrome, Tic Disorders, and associated conditions through Awareness, Research, and Support.

What we do:

  • We raise awareness and FOSTER SOCIAL ACCEPTANCE through education and robust social media campaigns.

  • We INVEST IN RESEARCH that will advance scientific understanding, treatment options and care. Over $22 million has been awarded to over 450 research projects across 16 countries.

  • We EDUCATE PROFESSIONALS to better serve the needs of children, adults and families challenged by Tourette and Tic Disorders. Over 450,000 health care providers, school personnel, families, individuals and members of the general public have been reached through in-person and online trainings.

  • We PROVIDE SUPPORT, HOPE AND HELP through our network across the nation. We host virtual and in-person discovery and learning sessions, support groups for a variety of ages, and maintain a library resources in various different languages to distribute and raise understanding.

  • We EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY to advocate for the most pressing issues facing the TS community. Over 1,000 Youth Ambassadors and their team members have been trained to educate their peers, adults, and government officials about TS. In addition, hundreds of congressional meetings are held annually with local representatives to lobby for continued funding and support for TS.

Program development, education and medical programs, government outreach, adherence to the Tourette Association of America’s mission, maximizing efforts, minimizing expenses, TeamTourette events, awareness month, publications, chapter relations, research grants, scientific and medical conferences, are all ongoing efforts of the Tourette Association of America’s full-time professional staff.