by Iqra Waheed
WHAT: Tourette syndrome is a disorder that involves repetitive movements or unwanted sounds (tics) that can’t be easily controlled.
(Mayo Clinic, 2018)
SYMPTOMS OF TOURETTE SYNDROME: Tics — sudden, brief, intermittent movements or sounds— are the hallmark sign of Tourette syndrome. Tics are classified as: ● Simple Tics: These sudden, brief and repetitive tics involve a limited number of muscle groups.
● Complex Tics: These distinct, coordinated patterns of movements involve several muscle groups.
Common Motor Tics (movement) seen in TS:
Simple Tics Complex Tics |
Eye blinking Touching or smelling objects |
Head jerking Repeating observed movements |
Shoulder shrugging Stepping in a certain pattern |
Eye darting Obscene gesturing |
Nose twitching Bending or twisting |
Mouth movements Hopping |
Common Vocal Tics (auditory) seen in TS:
Simple Tics Complex Tics |
Grunting Repeating one’s own words or phrases |
Coughing, throat clearing Repeating others’ words or phrases |
Barking Using vulgar, obscene or swear words |
(Mayo Clinic, 2018)
IS TOURETTE’S THE ONLY TIC DISORDER? Tourette syndrome is the most severe tic disorder, but there are other types. Tics disorders include:
● Provisional Tic Disorder: Motor or vocal tics (one or both) for less than a year. ● Persistent (chronic) Tic Disorder: Motor or vocal tics (not both) for more than a year. ● Tourette Syndrome: Motor and vocal tics (both) for more than a year.
(Cleveland Clinic, 2021)
WHAT CAUSES TOURETTE SYNDROME?
● Doctors don’t know yet what causes Tourette syndrome. It has been linked to different parts of the brain, including the basal ganglia, frontal lobes, and cortex. Researchers think that disruption in this brain network causes Tourette syndrome.
● It could also result from abnormalities in neurotransmitters, which include dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine
● Difficult pregnancy
● Low birth weight
● Head injury
● Carbon monoxide poisoning
● Encephalitis
● Genetics
● Gender (males are four times more likely than girls to develop TS)
(Watson, S., 2024)
OTHER HEALTH CONDITIONS THAT OCCUR WITH TS: Most people TS have other health conditions. These are usually mental or behavioral health disorders, including: ● Anxiety disorders
● ADHD
● Autism Spectrum Disorder
● Depression
● Learning disabilities
● OCD
● Oppositional Defiant Disorder
(Cleveland Clinic, 2021)
PREVENTION: Tourette syndrome is not preventable. But, early detection and treatment may prevent TS from worsening or lasting into adulthood.
(Cleveland Clinic, 2021)
TREATMENT:
1. Medication:
a. Medications that help block or lessen dopamine
b. Botulinum (Botox) injections
c. ADHD medications
d. Central Adrenergic Inhibitors
e. Antidepressants
f. Anti Seizure medications
2. Therapy:
a. Behavior Therapy
b. Psychotherapy
c. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
(Mayo Clinic, 2018)
REFERENCES
● Cleveland Clinic. (2021, February 23). Tourette Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5554-tourette-syndrome
● Watson, S. (2024, October 15). Tourette Syndrome. WebMD
● Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018, August 8). Tourette Syndrome. Mayo Clinic
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