Tourette Syndrome is a complex neurological condition—usually beginning in childhood—that causes a wide variety of motor and vocal tics.
But, not all tics are loud or dramatic. Some are as subtle as:
- Repeated blinking
- Nose twitching
- Shoulder shrugging
- Throat clearing or sniffing
These involuntary movements or sounds can change over time.
As a pediatric neurologist, I see far too many children being misunderstood.
Labeled as “disruptive” in class
Awareness is key to understanding this.
What can parents watch for?
✔️Tics that persist for over a year
✔️ Onset between ages 5 and 10
✔️ Tics that worsen with anxiety or excitement
✔️ No control over when the tics happen
And here’s something important:
Tourette’s often comes alongside conditions like ADHD, OCD, and anxiety. That’s why a complete evaluation is crucial—not just for diagnosis but to support the child’s whole journey.
The earlier we identify, the better we can help children manage their symptoms—and more importantly, protect their confidence.