Tourette's disorder (TD) is a condition in which a person has
spasms, also called tics, that typically include blinking, frowning, jerking
the head, and raising or jerking the arms or shoulders. A person may also shout
words (sometimes obscenities) or make unusual sounds, such as grunting or
snorting.
Symptoms of TD first develop during childhood and become most
severe at about age 12. In most children, tics become less severe or go away
completely in the teen years. However, tics can continue into adulthood.
Treatment for TD focuses on managing tics. Most cases of TD are
mild and will not require medical treatment. If the tics are severe,
medications or habit reversal are considered. The tics can be reduced, but
there is no cure for TD at this time.
Tourette's disorder is also known as Tourette's syndrome.
