Tourette’s Syndrome Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Tourette’s syndrome is a disorder characterized by repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (ticks). It is difficult to control the sufferer. For example, a person may blink their eyes repeatedly, shrug their shoulders continuously, and make unusual sounds or words that are out of order.
Tics generally appear between the ages of 2 and 15, with an average age of around 6 years. Men are three to four times more likely than women to have Tourette’s syndrome.
Most individuals with Tourette’s syndrome do not need special treatment if the symptoms that arise are not too disturbing. Tics may diminish and be better controlled after the teenage years.
Tourette’s Syndrome Symptom
Tics, which are sudden, brief, movements or sounds that can occur at any time, are the hallmark sign of Tourette’s syndrome. Tics can vary from mild to severe. Severe symptoms can significantly affect communication, daily functioning, and quality of life.
Tics can be classified as follows:
- Simple tick. Sudden, brief, and repetitive tics involve only a limited number of muscle groups. Examples of simple ticks are eye blinking, nose movement, coughing, and a sound like a barking from the throat.
- Complex tick. It is a distinctive and coordinated movement pattern that involves various muscle groups. Examples of complex tics are walking in a certain pattern, repeating the shoulder shrug over and over again, repeating a word or phrase called out to oneself or others over and over again, and occasionally uttering words that are unheard of.
- Tics can also involve movement (motor ticks) or sound (vocal ticks). Motor tics generally occur first, before vocal tics. However, the spectrum of tics experienced by individuals with Tourette’s syndrome varies widely.
Tourette’s Syndrome Reason
The cause of Tourette’s syndrome is not known with certainty. However, this complex condition is thought to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Disturbances in the brain chemicals that transmit nerve impulses, including dopamine and serotonin, are also thought to play a role.
Risk factors for Tourette’s syndrome include the following:
- Family history. Having a family history of Tourette’s syndrome or other tic disorders can increase your risk of developing Tourette’s syndrome.
- Gender. Men are three to four times more likely than women to have Tourette’s syndrome.
Diagnosis
There is no specific test to define Tourette’s syndrome. Determination of the diagnosis is usually made based on the history of signs and symptoms experienced.
The criteria used to diagnose Tourette’s syndrome generally include:
- Both motor tics and verbal tics are present, although both are not always present or they do not occur at the same time
- Tics occur several times a day, nearly every day, for more than a year
- Tics appeared before the age of 18 years
- Tics are not caused by medication, another substance, or the presence of another medical condition
Tourette’s Syndrome Treatment
Treatment for Tourette’s syndrome is aimed at reducing ticks that affect daily activities and functions. If the ticks are not severe, treatment is not always needed.
Types of treatment that can be done include:
- Treatment. Several types of medication may be prescribed by a doctor to control ticks and reduce other associated symptoms.
- Therapy. Several types of therapy can be done, including behavioral therapy and psychotherapy.
Prevention
Because the cause of Tourette’s syndrome is not known for certain, there is no proven way to prevent this condition completely.