Tourette syndrome. Artwork representation of a Tourette syndrome sufferer shocking and puzzling another figure as he speaks. Tourette syndrome is named after Gilles de la Tourette, the French neurologist who first described it. It starts in childhood with repetitive tics and grimaces, usually of the head and neck. Involuntary barks, grunts, or other noises usually appear as the disease progresses. In about half the cases the sufferer involuntarily uses obscene speech (coprolalia) as is depicted here. The syndrome is of lifelong duration but certain antipsychotic drugs can provide some relief.