TOURETTE SYNDROME is a brain disorder characterized by repeated involuntary movements and uncontrollable vocal sounds called tics. Tics may include repetitive eye blinking, head jerking, neck stretching, foot stamping, or body twisting and bending. In a few cases, such tics can include inappropriate words and phrases. It is not uncommon for a person with Tourette Syndrome to continuously clear his or her throat, cough, sniff, grunt, yelp, or shout. A few people with Tourette's engage in self-harming behaviors such as lip and cheek biting and head banging.

Some children have been found to experience an abrupt, "overnight" onset of Tourette's symptoms and/or obsessive-compulsive symptoms following a strep throat infection. These sudden onset illnesses have been termed "PANDAS" (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections).

More information on Tourette Syndrome (from MEDLINEplus)