top of page
Writer's pictureKay Willow

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette Syndrome is a tic disorder that is characterized by having 2 or more motor tics and at least 1 vocal tic. These tics can be simple or complex and must have lasted for over a year and have to have developed before the age of 18.


A tic is an unwanted and uncontrol able movement or sound. Some people with tics can postpone the tic (this is called suppression and can hurt the person) and they can sometimes feel something before they tic (this is called the premonitory urge) it has been described as a buzz or pressure buildup and once they tic its instant relief. There is also these episodes of unending tics which are called tic attacks. Tic attacks are quick repetition of 1 or more tics. These are exhausting and often debilitating as they can last for hours.


A common misconception is that everyone with TS has copralia (swearing tics) in reality only 10-15% of people with tics have swearing tics. Most people actually don't have swearing tics and some don't tic very much (as according to diagnosis criteria it only has to happen at least every 3 months) at all. Mild cases are 3 tics and they don't have to tic very often at all. Even if you have a mild case of TS you can have tic attacks. Severe cases of TS are completely debilitating (includes things like having to use a wheelchair, self harm, destruction of things,). Tourette syndrome is much more then meets the eye.


The image below is from the TSA which was dissolved in 2021 and has examples of tics and tic types that will hopefully give you some more understanding about what tics can look like.



However if you would like to learn more or find out how to find a Dr. Check out this link


14 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page