a condition of severe and multiple tic, including vocal tics, grunts, and involuntary obscene speech (coprolalia). The patient may also involuntarily repeat the words or imitate the actions of others (see palilalia). The condition usually starts in childhood and becomes chronic; the causes are unknown. Drug treatment (for example, with pimozide) is sometimes successful.
G. Gilles de la Tourette (1857-1904), French neurologist
Medical dictionary. 2011.