Tourette syndrome is also called "Gilles de la Tourette syndrome."  It is an inherited neurological disorder with onset in childhood.  It involves the presence of multiple motor tics and at least one phonic tic.  These tics generally wax and wane with time.  Tic disorders include Tourette's, as well as  transient tics and chronic tics.  We do not yet know the exact cause of Tourette's but it believed that both genetic and environmental factors play parts in causation.  Current theories are that there is dysfunction in thalamus, basal ganglia, and frontal cortex of the brain.  Multiple neurotransmitters seem to have abnormal activity in the brain: dopamine, serotonin, GABA, glutamate, and H-3 receptor. The majority of cases of Tourettes are inherited and familial. Not everyone who inherits the genetic vulnerability will show symptoms.  The relationship between Tourettes and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADHD) are being investigated.