Home » Medicine » Florida Tourette Syndrome and Tic Clinic

Florida Tourette Syndrome and Tic Clinic

Co-directed by:
Dr. Irene Malaty (Movement Disorders Neurology)
Dr. Herb Ward and Dr. Dan Tucker (adult and pediatric psychiatry)

About the Tourette and Tic Clinic

Kids and adults suffering from Tourette syndrome and tic disorders need an interdisciplinary environment for treatment, and also an opportunity to participate in cutting edge research.  The Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration has come together to provide that environment.

There are few places in the world that offer the complete interdisciplinary care of the Tourette/Tic Patient.  The identified needs in this area:

  • Better identification and early identification can make a difference
  • We must help Tourette/tic patients get treatment, and also help their reintegration back into society
  • Better care in Tourette/Tic will lead to better research and greater awareness of what is needed in the field
  • Partnerships need to be developed in clinical and basic science research for Tourette/Tic

Interdisciplinary Approach to Tourette Syndrome and Tics

We have created a model of excellence in care, research, and education for Tourette/Tics.

To accomplish our goals we have constructed an interdisciplinary world-class, “concierge service” for every new and return patient.

We focus on psychiatry and neurology, but we also have psychology, social work and all of the rehabilitative services.

The patient and family will have access to all interdisciplinary services in one place.

We have integrated the UF Center for Movement Disorders and Neurorestoration research infrastructure into Tourette and Tics.

Dr. Michael S. Okun and Dr. Kelly D. Foote have two NIH grants studying Tourette syndrome and the only FDA IDE approved for Deep Brain Stimulation for Tourette Syndrome in the United States.

Dr. Okun along with Justin Sanchez, PhD and Nick Maling, PhD student, are working on the physiological underpinnings of tic in their shared laboratories.

Contact us if you would like to be seen in this clinic by calling 352-265-8408. You can also find out more about becoming a patient.

*Support for this program is provided by the Criser Family UF Foundation Account