Is Tourette syndrome inherited?
Genetic studies indicate that Tourette Syndrome is inherited as a dominant gene (or genes) causing different symptoms in different family members. A person with Tourette Syndrome has about a 50% chance of passing the gene to one of his/her children with each separate pregnancy. However, that genetic predisposition may express itself as Tourette Syndrome, as a milder tic disorder or as obsessive compulsive symptoms with no tics at all. It is known that a higher than normal incidence of milder tic disorders and obsessive compulsive behaviors occur in the families of Tourette Syndrome patients. The sex of the offspring also influences the expression of the gene. The chance that the gene-carrying child of a person with Tourette Syndrome will have symptoms is at least three to four times higher for a son than for a daughter. Yet only about 10% of the children who inherit the gene will have symptoms severe enough to ever require medical attention. In some cases Tourette Syndrome may not be i
