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Tourette syndrome

Symptoms of Tourette syndrome

The main symptom of Tourette syndrome is tics. Tics can involve repetitive sounds (vocal tics) or movements (motor tics) you do not choose to make and cannot control.

Tics involving sounds may include:

Tics involving movement may include:

Tics can be triggered by different things including stress, excitement or tiredness.

Symptoms of Tourette syndrome usually start around the age of 6 and can get more noticeable around age 10.

Tourette syndrome is more common in boys than girls.

Information:

Lots of children have tics at some point, this does not always mean they have Tourette syndrome.

Tourette syndrome and other conditions

People with Tourette syndrome often have other conditions, such as OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • you think you or your child has Tourette syndrome

How Tourette syndrome is diagnosed

A GP may think you or your child have Tourette syndrome if your tics started before the age of 18, they have been happening for 1 year or more and involve both sounds and movements.

The GP may ask:

The GP may refer you or your child to a specialist, such as a brain and nerve specialist (neurologist) or a children's doctor (paediatrician) for an assessment.

The specialist may use tests, such as an EEG, MRI scan, or blood test, to check if your symptoms are caused by Tourette syndrome or another condition.

Treatment for Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome cannot be cured. But if the tics are causing problems for you or your child, treatment may be offered to help manage them.

Treatment may include:

The type of medicine you or your child may be offered also depends on if you also have ADHD or OCD.

Medicines for Tourette syndrome can cause side effects. Your doctor should discuss these with you.

Information:

Find out more

Tourettes Action: treatment for Tourette syndrome

Things you can do to help with Tourette syndrome

Learning about Tourette syndrome can help you understand it and find ways to manage the tics.

There are some things you can do to help you or your child with symptoms of Tourette syndrome.

Do

  • have a consistent daily routine with lots of physical activity

  • have a calm, regular bedtime or sleep routine – avoid using mobile phones and other electronic devices before bed

  • avoid stressful situations as much as possible, as stress can make tics worse

  • think about telling their school if your child is diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, so they're aware and can offer support

Information:

Complementary treatments

Some people use complementary treatments, including herbs and supplements, however there is little evidence that they help with symptoms of Tourette syndrome.

Causes of Tourette syndrome

It's not known what causes Tourette syndrome.

You're more likely to have it if your mother or father has it.

Help and support for Tourette syndrome

As well as support from your doctor or specialist, you may find online or face-to-face support groups helpful if you or your child have Tourette syndrome.

Tourettes Action

Information and support for anyone affected by Tourette syndrome.

Video: Tourette syndrome

In this video, a neurologist talks about Tourette syndrome and what treatment and support is available.

Media last reviewed: 1 February 2024
Media review due: 1 February 2027

Page last reviewed: 20 May 2025
Next review due: 20 May 2028