Tourette Syndrome: A Neurologic Disease That Can Mimic Allergy

Abstract

Tourette syndrome is a hereditary neurologic disorder that usually occurs in childhood. The diagnosis is based on the clinical history of multiple motor and vocal tics. Tics often are confused as being symptoms of other diseases, including allergy. This article reviews the characteristics of Tourette syndrome, including the nature of the tics, associated conditions, etiology, and management. Distinguishing Tourette syndrome from allergy is important, since the treatment for the two entities is vastly different.