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Introduction

Tourette syndrome is a childhood neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by multiple motor tics and at least 1 vocal tic.  Tics are sudden, brief, recurrent, nonrhythmic motor movements (eg, blinking, facial grimacing) and vocalizations (eg, grunting, throat clearing).  Tics can usually be suppressed temporarily and are often preceded by an irresistible urge followed by feelings of relief.  Symptoms must be persistent for >1 year, although they may fluctuate in intensity.

Epidemiology and risk factors

The estimated prevalence of Tourette syndrome is approximately 0.5%.  It affects males more often than females (4:1 ratio).  The average age of onset is age 6, with the majority of patients experiencing symptoms by age 11.

Several factors may contribute to the risk of developing Tourette syndrome, including genetic predisposition (heritability ~75%) and certain environmental factors (eg, maternal tobacco use during pregnancy, preterm birth, advanced paternal age).

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