The exact cause of the abnormality is unknown but is thought to be genetic because most people who show symptoms of Tourette's have other family members who also display such symptoms. The presumed genetic basis of Tourette's is not simple, however, and the syndrome may involve more than one gene. Although Tourette's most likely is a genetic disorder, the symptoms that define the disorder vary considerably, even among members of a single family. Just as the cause of Tourette's is unknown, there is also no known cure. There are medications than can be quite effective in reducing the symptoms, however.
Different medications are effective for different symptoms.
For example, a medication that reduces tics may not help with impulse control or compulsions. Therefore, for each person with Tourette's the choice of medication will depend on which symptoms are the most troubling for that individual. In fact, many people afflicted Tourette's syndrome are able to do well without ever taking any medication at all. The abnormal involuntary movements, called motor tics, are repetitive, stereotyped movements, usually of the face and neck. In most cases, they are simple and brief, such as eye blinking, neck jerking, lip smacking or protruding of the tongue.