Diagnosis

The diagnosis of TS is based upon a thorough clinical evaluation, observation and assessment of characteristic symptoms, and a careful patient and family history. There is no definitive diagnostic test for TS. However, certain blood tests, other laboratory studies, or neuroimaging techniques may be conducted to eliminate related disorders with similar symptoms. Such neuroimaging studies may include computerized tomography (CT) scanning, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) scanning, electroencephalography (EEG), or other techniques. These tests, however, are rarely needed in most patients with TS.

According to the Tourette Syndrome Study Group (1993), certain criteria must be fulfilled for the diagnosis of definite TS. These include the following:

• The presence of multiple motor tics and one or more vocal tics at some time during the course of the disorder that are...
  • Unexplained by other medical conditions
  • Directly observed by a reliable examiner or recorded (e.g., by videotape)
• The occurrence of tic episodes several times daily, almost every day, or periodically during a period of more than 1 year
• Changes in the type, severity, complexity, frequency, and anatomical location of tics during the course of the disorder
• Symptom onset before age 18

	Treatment