The symptoms normally appear before the age of 7 and cause considerable impairments in two or more settings. In order to diagnose the condition in an adult, a history of the condition during childhood must be documented. At least as many have behavior problems. The first symptoms are usually facial tics, for example exaggerated winks or grimaces. The tics often move to the neck, shoulders, upper part of the body, and the rest of the body.
Vocal tics tend to appear later than the motor tics.
The symptoms may start as early as in infancy, but usually around 7 years of age. Tourette's Syndrome lasts, to varying degrees, throughout life. It is typical that one symptom is relieved by another and that symptoms increase and decrease in strength in periods, waxing and waning. Sleep paralysis - muscle paralysis when falling asleep or waking up. Hypnagogic hallucinations - dreamlike, and frequently violent and frightening experiences, most often when falling asleep.