This is a condition in which repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics) cannot be controlled. It is known as Tourette syndrome and it causes repeatedly blinking of the eyes, shrug the shoulders, blurt unusual sounds, or offensive words. Symptoms of this condition usually appear between 2-15 years old with an average around 6 years old. Moreover, men and people assigned to males (AMAB) are 3 times more prone to get this condition than women or people assigned to females at birth (AFAB).
While Tourette syndrome cannot be cured, proper treatment can reduce the symptoms and control the condition.
Symptoms
Sudden, intermittent, and brief movements or sounds are called tics. These tics usually range from mild to severe. If a person experiences severe tics, it may impact the quality of life and daily routine. Tics are classified into 2 groups including simple tics (repetitive tics that involve limited muscle groups) and complex tics (in such cases, uncontrollable movements involve different muscles).
Tics can involve movement (motor tics) or sounds (vocal tics). Commonly, motor tics start before vocal tics. Check below some common motor tics noticed in people with this syndrome:
- Simple tics – Eye blinking, Head jerking, shoulder shrugging, eye darting, nose twitching, and mouth movements.
- Complex tics – These include stepping in a certain pattern, obscene gesturing, bending or twisting, hopping, touching or smelling objects.
Check below also common vocal tics:
- Simple tics – Grunting, coughing, throat clearing, and barking.
- Complex tics – Repeating words or phrases of other people, using vulgar, obscene, or swear words.
Furthermore, tics also can:
- Happen during sleep
- Change over time
- Worsen in early teenage
- Worse if you are ill, stressed, anxious, tired, or excited
- Fluctuate in frequency, severity, and type
Those who suffer from this syndrome will notice an uncomfortable sensation before tics including itch, tingling, or tension. Immediately visit a doctor if your child experiences involuntary movements or sounds.
Causes
Experts do not understand why Tourette syndrome happens. However, they think a combination of factors provokes this syndrome. These include genetic (inherited) and environmental factors. Moreover, certain chemicals that transmit nerve impulses in the brain (such as Dopamine and Serotonin) also could play a role.
Risk Factors
- Family history of Tourette syndrome
- Gender – This condition happens in men more than women.
What Are The Possible Complications of Tourette Syndrome?
Commonly people with this syndrome lead active and healthy lives. In any case, behavioral and social difficulties can occur that could harm your self-image. Check below some conditions associated with Tourette syndrome:
- Sleep disorders
- Mental disorders (such as anxiety, depression, and others)
- Anger-management problems
- Pain associated with tics (such as headaches)
- Trouble learning
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
If you suspect your child experienced any of the previous complications, you should contact a doctor right away.
Diagnosis
There are no specific tests that can diagnose this condition. However, physicians determine whether you have this syndrome or not based on your symptoms and family history. Check below some criteria:
- Motor and vocal tics are present
- You have experienced tics more times during the day for more than 1 year
- Both motor and vocal tics begin before 18 years old
- Tics that you experience are not provoked by medicines, substances, or other health conditions
- The tics you are noticing usually change in frequency, severity, and type over time
However, physicians may overlook the symptoms because some of them are similar to other health conditions. For instance, eye blinking may occur due to vision problems, allergies, and others.
To exclude other medical conditions that provoke tics similar to Tourette syndrome, your doctor may order you to do some tests including blood tests and imaging tests (such as MRI).
Treatment
While this syndrome cannot be cured, with proper treatment, you can improve your symptoms and quality of life. Controlling tics is important because it helps to perform daily activities. Check below some treatment options:
Medicines
- Medicines that block or lessen Dopamine – These include Fluphenazine, Haloperidol, Risperidone, and Pimozide. Common adverse reactions include weight gain and involuntary repetitive movements.
- Botulinum (Botox) injections – This medicine helps to relieve motor and vocal tics.
- ADHD medicines – For example, Methylphenidate and Dextroamphetamine can improve attention and concentration. Discuss with your healthcare professional before using stimulants because they can worsen tics.
- Central adrenergic inhibitors – Drugs including Clonidine and Guanfacine are used to reduce hypertension and control behavioral symptoms. These include impulse control problems and rage attacks. Sleepiness is the common negative effect of these medicines.
- Antidepressants – These medications can control symptoms such as sadness, anxiety, and OCD. Physicians usually prescribe Fluoxetine.
- Antiseizure medicines – As per studies, Topiramate is effective for people with Tourette syndrome.
Therapy
- Behavior therapy – This therapy helps to monitor uncontrollable movements.
- Psychotherapy – It is usually used to overcome certain problems including obsessions, depression, or anxiety.
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS) – In case you experience severe tics and other treatment options do not work, your doctor may advise DBS. It involves a medical device that delivers electric stimulation to the brain. However, more research is needed to determine if this treatment option is safe for people with Tourette syndrome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is Tourette syndrome?
This condition affects 1-10 in every 1000 children and men are more prone to develop it than women.
Can Tourette syndrome be cured?
Unfortunately, there is no way to cure this syndrome. However, with proper treatment, you can improve your quality of life and control symptoms.
What is Tourette syndrome linked with?
This is a neurological disorder in which people experience tics and repetitive vocalizations. Experts think that a mix of genetic factors, bacterial infection, and neurochemical abnormalities cause this condition. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare professional.
