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NEUROLOGY & NEUROSURGERY SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Tourette Syndrome

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How is Tourette Syndrome Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

There is no specific test used to diagnose Tourette syndrome. Diagnosis is based on symptoms, for instance, if you’ve had motor and vocal tics for at least a year.

Tourette syndrome is diagnosed if:

  • You have multiple motor tics and one or more vocal tics
  • The tics have persisted for more than one year
  • The tics begin before the age of 18
  • The tics are not caused by another medical condition or by medications

Comorbidities

Comorbidities of Tourette syndrome are an essential part of diagnosis and treatment. Likewise, an accurate diagnosis of Tourette syndrome is important to ensure that other conditions are also treated appropriately. The following conditions are often found to co-exist with Tourette syndrome:

How is Tourette Syndrome Treated?

Treatment

There is no cure for Tourette syndrome, and treatment may not be necessary if the tics aren't serious. In some cases, treatment includes medication and therapies to control tics.

Comprehensive behavioral therapy for tics (CBIT)

For some patients, therapies and behavioral techniques can help with symptoms. They include:

  • Biofeedback or relaxation methods to reduce the stress that can trigger tics
  • Cognitive behavioral interventions (CBI) aim to reduce symptoms of various conditions. It can help people with Tourette syndrome monitor tics, predict urges, and learn to control tics.

Medication

Medications to help control tics and help with co-occurring disorders include:

  • Medications that block or lessen dopamine can help manage tics
  • Botox injection may help relieve simple motor and vocal tics
  • Central adrenergic inhibitors. Clonidine and guanfacine, and other medications that are usually prescribed for high blood pressure may help control some symptoms
  • Antidepressants. Fluoxetine may help control symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other co-occurring conditions
  • Antiseizure medications. Topiramate, which is used to treat epilepsy, may help some people with Tourette syndrome

FAQs

FAQs

Tics can be a sign of one of three tic disorders. The differences between the conditions are the type of tics people have and how long they have had the symptoms. Tic conditions include:

  • Tourette syndrome
  • Persistent motor or vocal tic disorder (sometimes called chronic tic disorder) and
  • Provisional tic disorder

Yes. Studies have found that Tourette syndrome is inherited. There is around a 50% chance of a parent passing the condition to a child.

The estimated number of children with Tourette syndrome is 6 out of 1000 or 0.6%.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Tourette Syndrome Treatment

NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital's neurologists work with other specialists to diagnose and treat patients with Tourette syndrome. Learn more about the symptoms of Tourette syndrome. Understanding your condition can lead to better management.