HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Tics & Tourette syndrome
Matenga tākiri ā-hinengaro
Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds. People often do not realise that they are doing them, and they are not on purpose.
Tics can be physical (such as blinks, sniffs or facial movements). Or they can be vocal (such as noises, grunts or words). They are physically harmless, but they can be embarrassing. Tamariki (children) often grow out of tics, or their tics improve a lot by the time they reach adolescence.
Occasionally tics go with other behavioural issues such as anxiety, ADHD or Tourette syndrome. If you have any concerns about your tamaiti (child), talk to your general practice team.
Tourette syndrome
Tourette syndrome, or Tourette's, is a brain disorder in tamariki. It causes both vocal and physical tics.
Tourette's is a specific disorder that is usually diagnosed by a specialist. Many people have tics without having Tourette's.
Tourette syndrome often goes away or improves considerably as tamariki get older. Most tamariki and rangatahi (teenagers) with it do very well. Only a few people have continuing, severe problems with Tourette syndrome. The cases you may see online through social media are extreme and not common.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- NHS – Tics
More detailed information about tics.
- Tourette's Association of New Zealand
Information, resources and support for people with Tourette's and their families.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed January 2025.
SourcesReview key: HITAT-142250
