5 things to know about Tourette Syndrome

When most people think of Tourette Syndrome they think of vocal tics and involuntary twitching. But there’s more to the disorder than meets the eyes.

>> Living with Tourette's: News Center 7's John Bedell shares his story

Here are five key things to know about Tourette’s, according to the Tourette Association of America:

1) It is a tic disorder

Tourette’s is a neurodevelopmental disorder where a person has at least two motor tics and one vocal or phonic tic.

Other tic disorders, such as Chronic Tic Disorder and Provisional Tic Disorder, have either a motor or vocal tic for more than a year or have tics that have been present for less than year, respectively.

2) It is not rare

Data estimates that one out of every 160 children between age 5 through 17 has Tourette Syndrome and that one out of 100 children has a tic disorder.

While Tourette’s affects all ages and races, it is three to four times more common in boys than girls.

>> 5 people with Tourette Syndrome who inspire News Center 7's John Bedell

3) Tics typically appear during childhood

Tics typically emerge in kids between the age of 5 and 7, usually with a motor tic in the head or neck area.

Tics tend to increase in frequency between ages 8 through 12, but improve during late adolescence. Some people even become tic-free, but a few will continue to have severe tics into adulthood.

4) Tics can change

It’s common for tics to regularly change in type, frequency and severity. Sometimes the reasons for changes are unknown, but other times the change is a result of external and internal factors, such as stress, anxiety, excitement, tiredness or illness.

5) The cause is unknown

No cause has been determined in Tourette Syndrome or other tic disorders. They are hereditary and genetics play a role in most cases, though. Environmental, developmental and other factors could contribute, but nothing specific has been determined. However, there are ongoing studies to find gene and other factors in the development of tic disorders.

On Thursday, Feb. 21, New Center 7's John Bedell is opening up on his experience with Tourette's. Tune in at 5:30 p.m. to learn more about his lifelong journey.