What causes Tourette Syndrome?
In the majority of cases of Tourette syndrome there’s no identified cause. We are very suspicious that Tourette syndrome is genetically transmitted in the majority of cases. There are some other instances where people may use medications that could potentially bring out tic-like behaviors. These are usually psychiatric medications, potent tranquilizing medications such as haloperidol could cause a tic-like disorder. Sometimes brain injury or even an in utero maldevelopment of the brain, so called encephalopathy, something that people may be born with. Mental retardation can be associated with a tic as well. But again the majority of people with Tourette syndrome or tic don’t have another underlying disorder or other medications or brain infections that are causing their symptoms.
