Tourette Syndrome & Tic Disorders: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

They often begin in childhood, can be frustrating or embarrassing, and are frequently misunderstood. The good news: tics are manageable, and many children improve with age. At Mir Neurology, our board-certified neurologists diagnose and treat Tourette syndrome and tic disorders in children and adults across Western Maryland, the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, and South-Central Pennsylvania.

Request an Appointment or call (301) 797-7600.

What Is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition characterized by tics — sudden, repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations. To be diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, a person has both multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic that have been present for more than a year, usually beginning in childhood.

Tourette syndrome is one type of tic disorder, and it is a condition of the nervous system — not a behavioral or psychological choice. Tics can often be briefly suppressed, but the urge builds until they are released, much like the urge to blink or sneeze.

What Are Tics?

Tics fall into two categories:

Motor Tics

Movements such as eye blinking, head jerking, shoulder shrugging, facial grimacing, or more complex movements.

Vocal / Phonic Tics

Sounds such as throat clearing, sniffing, grunting, humming, or words.

Simple Tics

Brief, single movements or sounds.

Complex Tics

Coordinated patterns involving several muscle groups or words.

Tics typically wax and wane — coming and going in frequency and intensity — and often worsen with stress, excitement, or fatigue.

Types of Tic Disorders

Not everyone with tics has Tourette syndrome. Tic disorders include:

Tourette syndrome — multiple motor tics plus at least one vocal tic, lasting over a year
Persistent chronic motor or vocal tic disorder — one type of tic, motor or vocal, lasting over a year
Provisional tic disorder — tics present for less than a year, common in young children and often temporary

About Coprolalia

One of the most well-known but misunderstood features of Tourette syndrome is coprolalia — involuntarily saying socially inappropriate or obscene words. Despite how often it is portrayed in media, coprolalia is actually uncommon, affecting only a minority of people with Tourette syndrome.

Most people with tics never have coprolalia.

Tic and Tourette Symptoms

Common signs include:

Repetitive movements like blinking, grimacing, or head and shoulder jerking
Repetitive sounds like throat clearing, sniffing, or grunting
An uncomfortable urge or sensation before a tic, relieved by doing it
Tics that briefly can be held back but then release
Symptoms that worsen with stress, excitement, or tiredness
Tics that change over time in type, frequency, and severity

What Causes Tourette Syndrome?

The exact cause is not fully known, but it is understood to involve differences in the brain regions and circuits that control movement, along with brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

Genetics — Tourette syndrome and tic disorders often run in families
Brain development and chemistry — differences in how certain circuits regulate movement
Environmental factors — which may influence severity

Is Tourette's genetic? There is a strong hereditary component, though the exact inheritance is complex and not everyone with the genes develops tics.

Conditions That Often Occur With Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome frequently occurs alongside other conditions, and addressing them is an important part of care. Common companions include:

ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder
Anxiety
Learning or sleep difficulties

For many people, these associated conditions affect daily life as much as the tics themselves.

How Tic Disorders Are Diagnosed

There is no single lab test — diagnosis is clinical, based on observing and describing the tics. Evaluation typically includes:

A detailed history, including when tics started, how they have changed, and family history
A description and observation of the tics, including motor and vocal tics
A neurological exam
Screening for associated conditions like ADHD and OCD
Tests only when needed to rule out other causes

Treatment for Tourette Syndrome and Tics

Not all tics need treatment — when they are mild and not bothersome, education and reassurance may be enough. When tics interfere with daily life, effective options include:

Behavioral therapy / CBIT — Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics, a proven structured approach that teaches strategies to manage tics
Medications — to reduce the frequency and severity of bothersome tics when needed
Treating co-occurring conditions — managing ADHD, OCD, or anxiety, which often improves overall quality of life
Education and support — for the patient, family, and school
Ongoing follow-up — since tics naturally change over time, often improving in the late teens

Serving Western Maryland & the Tri-State Area

With offices in Cumberland and Hagerstown, we provide expert care for children and adults with tic disorders close to home.

Maryland

Cumberland, Hagerstown, LaVale, Frostburg, Cresaptown, Hancock, Williamsport, Smithsburg, Boonsboro

West Virginia

Martinsburg, Keyser, Romney, Berkeley Springs, Paw Paw

Pennsylvania

Waynesboro, Greencastle, Chambersburg, Mercersburg

Cumberland office: 924 Seton Dr Suite C, Cumberland, MD 21502 — Mon–Sat, 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Hagerstown office: 11110 Medical Campus Rd Unit 151, Hagerstown, MD 21742 — Mon–Fri, 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tourette syndrome?

Tourette syndrome is a neurological condition involving multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic lasting over a year, usually beginning in childhood. Tics are sudden, repetitive, involuntary movements or sounds.

Do all people with Tourette syndrome swear involuntarily?

No. Involuntary swearing, called coprolalia, is uncommon and affects only a minority of people with Tourette syndrome, despite how often it is shown in the media.

Is Tourette syndrome genetic?

There is a strong hereditary component — tic disorders often run in families — though the inheritance is complex and not everyone with a family history develops tics.

Can adults have tics?

Yes. While tics usually begin in childhood and often improve by the late teens, they can persist into adulthood, and adults can seek treatment for bothersome tics.

How are tics treated?

Mild tics may just need reassurance. When treatment is needed, options include behavioral therapy, CBIT, medications, and managing co-occurring conditions like ADHD or OCD.

Dealing With Tics — For You or Your Child?

Mir Neurology diagnoses and treats Tourette syndrome and tic disorders in Cumberland and Hagerstown.

Request an appointment | (301) 797-7600