1. What is Tourette Syndrome (TS)?
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological condition (nervous system) that affects the brain structure and chemistry responsible for regulating movement and behaviour.
2. What are tics?
Tics are sudden, involuntary movements or sounds, ranging from simple (like eye blinking or throat clearing) to complex (like jumping or repeating words).
3. What causes tics in TS?
TS involves the physical brain circuits (neurological) and the chemical signaling between neurons (neurochemical). The tics result from the brain's difficulty in properly inhibiting these involuntary movements and vocalisations.
4. When do tics usually begin?
Tics commonly appear between ages 4 and 7, typically peaking in early adolescence (around ages 11–14) before subsiding in many individuals.
5. Who is affected?
TS occurs globally, regardless of race or ethnicity, and is typically diagnosed in boys about 3–4 times more often than in girls.
6. Is TS lifelong?
Yes, but it often improves. Around 50–80% of adults report a significant reduction or full remission of tics after adolescence. There is no cure.
7. How is TS diagnosed?
A diagnosis requires all of the following:
8. How common is TS?
TS affects about 0.3–1% of school-aged children. Approximately 1 in 100 to 1 in 300. Making it more common than often assumed.
9. Comorbid conditions
Up to 90% of individuals with TS may experience additional conditions such as ADHD, OCD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), anxiety, or depression.
10. What is a premonitory urge?
Many people with TS experience a premonitory urge, an uncomfortable sensation that builds up and feels “relieved” by performing the tic.
11. What about coprolalia?
Although often associated with TS, coprolalia (involuntary swearing) occurs in only about 10–15% of cases.
12. What is TS not?
MOTOR TICS (involuntary movements):
Simple Motor Tics
Eye blinking or rolling
Nose wrinkling or twitching
Shoulder shrugging
Head jerking or bobbing
Grimacing, lip movements, or jaw jerking
Abdominal tensing, arm or leg jerking
Complex Motor Tics
Clapping, hopping, tapping, or spinning
Touching objects or other people repeatedly
Echopraxia (copying another person’s movement)
Copropraxia (involuntary obscene gestures, like flipping the middle finger)
VOCAL (PHONIC) TICS (involuntary sounds)
Simple Vocal Tics
Throat clearing, gasping, or grunting
Sniffing, snorting, or coughing
Barking, whistling, hissing, or humming
Complex Vocal Tics
Echolalia (repeating someone else’s words)
Palilalia (repeating one’s own words)
Coprolalia (involuntary swearing or socially inappropriate phrases)
Tics are classified not only by what they look or sound like (motor vs vocal), but also by their complexity. Not all tics are obvious or dramatic, many are subtle. The severity of tics may vary greatly from person to person. Tics may change in intensity, frequency, and type over time.
While South Africa has relatively few TS-specific specialists, the following professionals may offer expertise in diagnosis, therapy, and ongoing care:
Paediatric Neurologists – These specialists may provide assessment and medical management, particularly for children and adolescents.
Psychiatrists – Psychiatrists may help assess and manage tics and associated conditions such as ADHD, OCD, or anxiety. They may prescribe medication if clinically appropriate.
Clinical Psychologists – These professionals may provide behavioural therapies, including approaches such as CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics).
Occupational Therapists – OTs may assist with sensory processing concerns, coping strategies, and school or daily-living adjustments tailored to individuals with TS.
Play Therapists – They may provide valuable support for younger children through helping children express emotions, regulate sensory concerns, and develop coping skills in a non-verbal, child‑centred environment.
Educational Psychologists – They may support school integration through IEPs, learning adaptations, and liaison with educators to facilitate inclusive environments.
Childline South Africa: 0800 055 555
A 24/7 toll-free helpline offering counselling for children and teens.
National Centre for Child Protection: 076 900 7151
A 24-hour hotline is available for the reporting of child abuse and neglect.
South African Depression and Anxiety Group: 011 234 4837 / 0800 20 50 26
Toll-free helpline staffed by trained counsellors who provide telephonic counselling.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is based on widely recognised clinical research and global Tourette Syndrome guidelines. This page is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider.
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