Tourette Syndrome is a nervous system condition characterized by unwanted repetitive sounds or movements known as tics. These vocal sounds and movements are rapid, uncontrolled, and involuntary. Tourette Syndrome belongs to a group of tic disorders – developing nervous system disorders. Tics disorders usually appear from age two to fifteen and are more common in males than females.
Tics are the main symptom associated with Tourette Syndrome. Patients may experience mild to moderate tics – you may not even notice mild tics, whereas tics of other degrees are often obvious. Stress, tiredness, and sickness can worsen the tics, causing discomfort, pain, or injury. Not to mention, intense tics may affect a patient’s professional or social life, as they can be embarrassing.
Tics are sudden sounds, twitches, or movements that occur involuntarily. Kids with Tourette Syndrome do not have control over their tics and cannot stop their bodies from making these repetitive and sudden movements. For example, an affected child may constantly make a specific sound or repeatedly blink helplessly. Tics are like hiccups – you do not want them, but your body still performs them. There are two different types of tics:
Motor Tics: These types are bodily movements, such as jerking an arm, blinking, or shrugging the shoulders.
Vocal Tics: These tics generate sounds made vocally, i.e., using the voice. Tics include grunting, clearing the throat, yelling a word or phrase, or humming.
Tics can be complex or simple. While complex tics may have a pattern and involve multiple body parts, simple tics are as simple as sniffing.
The development of Tourette Syndrome is linked with different parts of the brain, including the basal ganglia, that control bodily movements. Changes in this brain region may influence the function and production of nerve cells and the chemicals carrying messages.
A difference in the brain network of basal ganglia is the likeliest cause of Tourette’s. However, medical professionals and researchers are unsure of the reasons contributing to these problems in the brain.
The causes and risk factors for Tourette Syndrome are still unknown. However, various studies, surveys, and medical investigations suggest that the neurological condition is an inherited genetic disorder. In simpler terms, children whose family members suffer from Tourette Syndrome are more likely to develop the condition themselves. Nevertheless, patients from the same family may experience different symptoms.
A single medical test, such as blood work or imaging tests, cannot determine whether a person has Tourette Syndrome. For that reason, medical professionals investigate and examine the suspected individual’s specific symptoms to diagnose Tourette and other disorders of the same group.
Typically, diagnosis is confirmed when someone has both vocal and motor tics. The doctor will also confirm the diagnosis if symptoms have lasted for at least one year and have ruled out other medical conditions, medications, or other substances.
While there is no cure for Tourette Syndrome, patients can try several treatment options to manage their symptoms. Medications and other treatments may be necessary if your vocal and motor tics interfere with your routine or affect your quality of life. Sometimes, tics may cause injury or pain, causing physical and mental stress.
Commonly prescribed medications for Tourette Syndrome include stimulant medicines, antidepressants, and drugs that block dopamine. Other therapies and treatments include psychotherapy and behavioural treatments.