WHAT IS TOURETTE SYNDROME?
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological condition that causes repeated involuntary and uncontrollable movements and sounds called tics. It's estimated that as many as 1 in 100 children express some degree of the condition. So chances are you know someone who is affected by Tourette.
WHAT CAUSES TICS?
No one knows exactly what causes tics, but stress and anxiety can make symptoms more severe.
WHAT DOES A TIC FEEL LIKE?
Tics are not completely involuntary and can be suppressed for a short time. But holding in a tic causes greater and greater discomfort until it's relieved (like trying to hold in a sneeze).
WHY DO PEOPLE WITH TOURETTE SYNDROME SWEAR?
Actually, most people with Tourette don't swear involuntarily. This aspect of TS only affects 10% of people who have it. The two main types of expressions are Coprolalia (using obscene language) and Copropraxia (using obscene gestures).
IS TS MORE THAN JUST TICS?
Yes, symptoms typically appear before the individual is 18 years old, and are often accompanied by other disorders, like ADHD, OCD, depression, school phobias, and learning disabilities. These can be a bigger challenge than TS itself.
ARE THERE TREATMENTS AVAILABLE?
There is no known cure for Tourette but a lot of progress has been made in understanding how we can reduce its severity and impact - including behavioral therapies and other treatment options.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT TS?
Visit our resource center or njcts.org for more information or to get in touch with medical professionals and others in the TS community.