When considering a Tourette syndrome diagnosis, the doctor typically gathers a medical history and performs a physical exam. Certain tests may be recommended, such as imaging tests or blood tests. These can help rule out other conditions that might be confused with Tourette syndrome. Diagnosis is generally confirmed after verifying that the patient has had both motor and vocal tics for at least one year.
Tourette Syndrome Diagnosis: An Overview
In order to make a
Tourette syndrome diagnosis, the doctor will ask a number of questions about:
- The symptoms a person is experiencing
- Any other medical conditions
- Current medications
- Family history of any medical conditions.
This information put together comprises a person's medical history. The doctor will also perform a physical exam and may recommend certain tests.
Tourette Syndrome Diagnosis: The Physical Exam
A Tourette syndrome diagnosis is made after verifying that the patient has had both motor and vocal tics for at least one year. The existence of other neurological or psychiatric conditions can also help doctors arrive at a diagnosis of Tourette syndrome.
Knowledgeable clinicians do not often misdiagnose common tics. However, atypical
Tourette syndrome symptoms or atypical presentation (for example, onset of symptoms in adulthood) may require specific specialty expertise for a proper Tourette syndrome diagnosis.
Are There Tests for a Tourette Syndrome Diagnosis?
There are no blood or laboratory tests needed to make a Tourette syndrome diagnosis, but imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized tomography (CT), and electroencephalogram (EEG) scans, or certain blood tests may be used to rule out other conditions that might be confused with Tourette syndrome.
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