ML, it sounds as if manster has a combination of motor and vocal tics, which might qualify for a diagnosis of Tourette's Syndrome. Simply defined, the criteria for Tourette's Syndrome includes a combo of at least two motor tics and at least one vocal tic; symptoms have lasted at least one year; and onset is before 18 years old.
As far as we know, my son only has motor tics, largely centered around his face -- eye blinking, nose bridge wrinkling, mouth opening and lip licking. We have not noticed vocal tics so we don't think he qualifies for a diagnosis of Tourette's Syndrome but instead a diagnosis of tic disorder. My son's tics started at around age 11, they wax and wane and are exacerbated by anxiety and viruses (and sometimes nothing at all). We've been told that they should improve when he is done with puberty.
Tourette's is a highly co-morbid condition. For example, 60 percent of people with Tourette's Syndrome have ADHD. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety, ADHD and tics run strongly through the same families.
I can't tell you not to be anxious, but if you and manster have already been living with his tics, I'm not sure a diagnosis of Tourette's Syndrome is really going to change anything. We've been living with my son's tics for 5 years, and I can honestly say it has not been his biggest problem (in fact,it doesn't even figure among the top 10). Anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, academic underachievement and lack of emotional connection have been far greater challenges.
Hang in there, ML, and good luck.