How does Tourette Syndrome work?

Tourette's syndrome is a condition that causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements called tics. It usually starts during childhood, but the tics and other symptoms usually improve after several years and sometimes go away completely. read more

First, Tourette syndrome isn't as rare as you might think. An estimated one in 100 people suffers from a mild form of the syndrome, and about 200,000 Americans have the most severe form. Second, patients suffering from Tourette syndrome are not constantly twitching. read more

Twin studies, which have found 89 to 94 percent concordance for Tourette's syndrome, also provide strong evidence of a genetic cause. There is strong evidence that Tourette's is genetic, though no particular genes have been found - as of yet - to be implicated. read more

Tourette's syndrome is a problem with the nervous system that causes people to make sudden movements or sounds, called tics, that they can't control. For example, someone with Tourette's might blink or clear their throat over and over again. read more