Managing Tourette's Syndrome with Medical Cannabis
Tourette’s Syndrome is a condition that causes involuntary sounds and movements called tics. It usually develops during childhood but tics and other symptoms often improve after several years and may sometimes go away completely. People with Tourette’s Syndrome also often have with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or learning difficulties.
What are the symptoms?
The main symptom of Tourette’s Syndrome is tics – usually appearing in childhood. This can refer to a combination of physical and vocal tics.
Examples of physical tics may include:
· Blinking
· Eye rolling
· Grimacing
· Shoulder shrugging
· Head or limbs jerking
· Jumping or twirling
· Touching objects/other people
Examples of vocal tics may include:
· Grunting
· Throat clearing
· Whistling
· Coughing
· Tongue clicking
· Animal sounds
· Random words and phrases
· Repeating a sound, word or phrase
· Swearing (a rare tic that only affects around 1in 10 people)
Tics are not usually harmful to a person’s health; however, physical tics such as jerking of the head, can be painful. Tics may also be worse during periods of stress, Anxiety and Depression. Tourette’s Syndrome is often also associated with anxiety and depression.
Most people with Tourette’s Syndrome premonitory sensations before a tic which has been compared with the feeling you get before a sneeze or when you need to itch. These may include:
· A burning feeling in the eyes before blinking
· A dry or sore throat before grunting
· An itchy joint or muscle before jerking
Cause and treatment
The cause of Tourette’s Syndrome is unknown; however, it is thought to be linked to a part of the brain that helps regulate body movements.
There is no cure for Tourette’s Syndrome, but some treatments may be recommended to help control tics. These can include:
· Habit reversal therapy – a type of behavioural therapy which involves working out the feelings that trigger tics and identifies an alternative, less way of relieving the urge to tic.
· Exposure with response prevention (ERP) – a typeof behavioural therapy that involves training to better control urges to tic.
· Medicines – some people may find that medicines can help with tics, but this is usually only recommended if tics are more severe or are affecting daily activities as these medicines can have side effects and they aren’t always effective.
Medical Cannabis and Tourette's Syndrome
Research into how medical cannabis could be useful in alleviating the symptoms of Tourette’s Syndrome is still ongoing; however, there is some preliminary evidence that cannabinoid-based therapies may be beneficial.
For example, one study from 2013 found that THC was useful in reducing tics and helping to alleviate other symptoms of Tourette’s Syndrome in adults.
Our specialist physicians are experienced in assessing individual cases and helping to determine whether medical cannabis could be an effective option.
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Conditions Specialists
Dr Anup Mathew
Lead Psychiatry Specialist
Dr Anup Mathew
Consultant Psychiatrist | Clinical Lecturer
M.D., MA, MSc, BSc (Hons), MRCPsych, FHEADCP, MDCH, DCBH, PGCDM, PGCCE, MAcadMEd
Dr Mathew is a Community Psychiatrist in the NHS responsible for providing medical psychiatric support to a multi-disciplinary Primary Care Mental Health Service across East and North Kent.
Dr Mathew has extensive knowledge of mental health legislation having completed an MA in Medical Ethics and Law. He was appointed by the Ministry of Justice as a Medical Member of the First-tier Tribunal in the Social Entitlement Chamber. Dr Mathew also has a special interest in PTSD and Military Psychiatry having completed an MSc in War and Psychiatry and trained with the Royal Marines Reserve.
Dr Mathew was awarded Membership of the Academy of Medical Educators and Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy following his involvement in medical education which included being a University Lecturer.
As a Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Addictions Faculty, Dr Mathew has qualifications and expertise in the management of alcohol and drug misuse, particularly with co-morbid mental health problems. Due to his expertise, Dr Mathew is a Medical Examiner and Health Examiner for the General Medical Council.
Dr Mathew holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Rational Emotive Behavioural Therapy and he is also a qualified Medical Hypnotherapist. He incorporates a holistic approach in treatment that considers how biological, psychological and social factors impact on a person’s life and recovery journey. His work ethic has always been focused on trying to improve the outcomes of people with mental illness.
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Lead Pain Specialist
Dr Gerard Sinovich
Acute and Chronic Pain Management Consultant
MBBS, FRCA, FFPMRCA
Specialisms: Musculoskeletal pain; neuropathic pain; fibromyalgia; headaches; migraines; chronic neck, upper & lower back, shoulder, hip, knee, ankle pain; myofascial pain; inflammatory and connective tissue disorders; abdominal pain; pelvic pain; post-surgical pain and cancer pain.
Dr Sinovich qualified in anaesthesia and is professionally trained to treat different pain problems, particularly musculoskeletal pain and neuropathic pain. He is well renowned in his field following completion of specialised training in Pain Management at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital, a world leading hospital in pain research and management.
Dr Sinovich is a pioneer in medical cannabis prescribing to chronic pain patients in the UK. He has extensive experience in prescribing medicinal cannabis over the last 3 years with training undertaken in Canada. He has featured in cannabis health news, BBC news, and in the daily mirror on topics related to medicinal cannabis. He has presented various web-based seminars on medicinal cannabis to both patients and aspiring doctors wanting to enter the field of medicinal cannabis. He is involved in research trials to better understand the use of medicinal cannabis and making it more accessible to individuals with chronic pain.
Here are some interesting facts about Dr Sinovich:
- Granted Foundation Fellowship of the Faculty of Pain Medicine of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (FFPMRCA)
- Medical director of “Panacea Pain Relief Clinic” with consulting rooms at the Spire Clare Park Hospital, Frimley Park Hospital and Spire St Anthony Hospital
- Presented at numerous national anaesthesia and pain medicine conferences
- Member of the British Pain Society and of the European Society for Regional Anaesthesia & Pain Medicine
- Faculty member of the Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCA), the European Society of Anaesthesiology (ESA) and the Association of Anaesthetists (AAGBI)
- Local Pain Medicine Educational Supervisor responsible for teaching of undergraduate medical students in acute and chronic pain
Medical cannabis, legally prescribed
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FAQ’s
Answers to your most important medical cannabis questions.
Can medical cannabis help manage symptoms of Tourette’s Syndrome?
Medical cannabis may help reduce the frequency and intensity of tics, as well as manage associated symptoms like anxiety or sleep disruption. At Cantourage Clinic, we consider cannabis-based treatments for patients with Tourette’s when conventional therapies have not provided adequate relief.
Is medical cannabis legally prescribed for Tourette’s Syndrome in the UK?
Yes. In the UK, medical cannabis can be legally prescribed by a specialist doctor for conditions such as Tourette’s when standard treatment options have been exhausted. Cantourage Clinic offers safe, compliant access to cannabis-based medicines through a regulated clinical pathway.
What cannabis formulations are used to treat Tourette’s symptoms?
Treatments vary per patient, but clinicians may recommend balanced THC:CBD formulations or CBD-dominant options. These can be delivered via oils, capsules, or vaporised products to help calm the nervous system and manage tic-related discomfort or stress.
How do I start treatment for Tourette’s Syndrome with medical cannabis at Cantourage Clinic?
Start by booking a consultation with one of our experienced doctors. We’ll assess your medical history, symptoms, and treatment background. If you’re eligible, we’ll guide you through every step—from prescription to product selection and ongoing support.