Abstract

A common neurodevelopmental disorder that typically manifests during childhood or adolescence, Tourette syndrome or Tourette’s syndrome (TS or Tourette’s) is abbreviated as TS or Tourette’s. It is characterized by at least one phonic and multiple movement (motor) tics. Blinking, coughing, clearing of the throat, sniffing, and facial movements are all common tics. These typically begin with an unwelcome urge or sensation in the affected muscles, which is known as a “premonitory urge,” can sometimes be suppressed for a short period of time, and frequently shift in location, strength, and frequency. On the extreme end of the spectrum of tic disorders is Tourette’s syndrome. Casual observers frequently fail to observe the tics.