Tourette Syndrome: Neurobiology and GeneticsAbout This Hardback Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by multiple movement tics and at least one phonic tic. Tics are the repetitive and nonrhythmic motor movements or vocalizations involving different muscle groups. Common tics are coughing, blinking, sniffing, throat clearing and facial movements. The affected person feels an unwanted sensation in the affected muscles that sometimes can be suppressed