Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. Many individuals with Tourette syndrome lead normal lives, with tics often improving or changing in severity as they age.

• Cause: The exact cause is unclear, but it is thought to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. It is believed to involve abnormalities in the brain areas that control movement.

• Features: Tics can be motor (e.g., blinking, head jerking) or vocal (e.g., grunting, throat clearing, swearing). Tics often appear between the ages of 5-10 and can change in type and severity over time.

• Diagnosis: Based on clinical symptoms, typically involving the presence of tics for at least one year. No specific test for Tourette syndrome.

• Treatment: No cure, but treatment options include behavioral therapy (CBT) to manage tics and medications (e.g., antipsychotics, alpha-agonists) to control severe symptoms.