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Erlanger Neuroscience Institute
979 East Third Street
Suite C-830
Medical Mall
Chattanooga, TN 37403
Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, commonly known as Tourette syndrome or TS, is a neurological disorder which becomes evident in early childhood or adolescence before the age of 18 years.
Symptoms
Tourette syndrome is defined by multiple motor and vocal tics that last more than one year. The first symptoms usually are involuntary movements, tics, of the face, arms, limbs, or trunk. These tics are frequent, repetitive, and rapid. However, the most common first symptom is a facial tic (eye blink, nose twitch, or grimace), and is later replaced by or added to by other tics of the neck, trunk, and limbs.
Treatment
The treatment for tic disorders depends on the severity of the condition. In many instances, no treatment is needed and the tics will resolve on their own. In other cases, doctors may prescribe behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of the two. Behavioral therapy helps people learn to manage their tic symptoms and reduce the tic frequency. Medications are typically used to reduce tic frequency and enhance a patient's daily life. However, this usually does not result in the complete remission of tic symptoms.
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Movement Disorder Services - Erlanger Neuroscience