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Tourette Syndrome

Unparalleled Care for Tourette Syndrome

Children with Tourette syndrome may seem to be purposefully misbehaving, attention-seeking or disruptive. However, Tourette’s tics are uncontrollable. Any child with Tourette syndrome is just as distressed by their uncontrollable tics as their parents, teachers and friends.

Tourette syndrome may be mild. Or it may be severe enough to cause problems at school and home. If your child struggles with repetitive tics, you can turn to the team at Emory Healthcare.

We empower patients by helping manage their condition.

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Why Choose Emory Healthcare?

Emory Healthcare is a Tourette Association of America Center of Excellence for Tourette syndrome. We provide a full spectrum of treatments for Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders.

Whether your child needs medication, behavioral therapy or innovative therapies like Botox, you can depend on our expertise. We build connections with kids and help them feel comfortable.

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette syndrome is an inherited neurological disorder that begins in childhood and causes tics. Tics are sudden, repetitive sounds (vocal tics) or movements (motor tics). Though tics are uncontrollable, children can learn to manage them.

We diagnose Tourette syndrome when a child has vocal and motor tics for at least one year. However, your child can have a tic without having Tourette syndrome.

Other tic disorders last less than one year or cause vocal or motor tics. Temporary tics may occur when a child is anxious. Additionally, certain health conditions and medications can cause tics.

Tourette syndrome often occurs together with other mental health disorders. Your child may have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, or another condition.

When Does Tourette Syndrome Appear?

The tics associated with Tourette syndrome often begin between the ages of five and 10. However, they can start at a younger age. Some children outgrow Tourette syndrome by adulthood, while others continue to have tics throughout their adult years.

Types of Tics

The type of tic and how frequently the tic appears may change over time. There are many types of tics, but they all belong to two categories: simple and complex.

Symptoms Accompanying Tics

Children with tics may experience a compelling urge or need to perform the tic. Then, they often feel relieved afterward. They may also have unusual sensations like burning or tingling just before having a tic.

Motor tics can occur while your child falls asleep or is in a light sleep. These tics may wake them and cause a sleep deficiency.

At the same time, improving sleep problems like difficulty falling or staying asleep can reduce the number and severity of their tics.

How is Tourette Syndrome Diagnosed?

We diagnose Tourette syndrome based on a medical history, physical exam and learning about your child’s behaviors. We do not use lab tests, brain imaging or genetic testing to diagnose Tourette syndrome.

It helps if you track your child’s tics. Note the type of tic, any apparent triggers and how often they occur. Tic triggers include anxiety and excitement. Wearing a tight collar or hearing someone else clear their throat may trigger a tic.

After we determine if your child has Tourette syndrome, we may also recommend having a psychiatric evaluation. Or we may suggest additional testing if we suspect an underlying medical condition.

Tourette Syndrome Treatments

Tourette syndrome treatment typically begins with behavioral therapy. Our team uses techniques like habit reversal therapy (HRT) and Comprehensive Behavior Intervention for Tics (CBIT). Through these therapies, children learn how to manage their tics.

Some children may need medication to help control tics. They may benefit from treatment for mental health conditions that often occur with Tourette syndrome.

Our team also offers the most innovative treatments. We may stop tics with Botox injections or deep brain stimulation.

Find an Emory Doctor

Emory Healthcare doctors provide specialized treatment and research the latest advancements.

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To expand your options, explore our network of providers throughout Atlanta and the surrounding counties.
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Make an Appointment with Emory Neurology & Neurosurgery

Create a MyChart account to schedule online.

For the neurology department, call 404-778-3444.

For the neurosurgery department, call 404-778-5770.

network_intelligence

Make an Appointment with Emory Neurology & Neurosurgery

Create a MyChart account to schedule online.

For the neurology department, call 404-778-3444.

For the neurosurgery department, call 404-778-5770.