Tourette Syndrome (Tourette syndrome)
On this page, you will find everything you are looking for regarding Tourette syndrome.
What is Tourette’s Syndrome?
It is a condition that affects the nervous system, causing involuntary tics and movements or sudden sounds repeatedly and uncontrollably.
What are the symptoms of Tourette’s Syndrome?
- Symptoms typically appear between the ages of 5 and 10, starting with:
- Motor tics around the neck and head area.
- Involuntary motor tics such as eye blinking, shoulder, arm, or head jerking, or jumping.
- Involuntary vocal tics, including sounds like humming, throat clearing, or shouting a word or phrase.
A strong urge before the tics occur, similar to the feeling before a sneeze, like a burning sensation in the eye before blinking, or an itch in the joint or muscles before twitching.
- Tics are classified into:
- Simple tics that involve a few parts of the body.
Complex tics that involve multiple parts at once, often following a pattern.
Not all tics occur simultaneously. Tics usually worsen during stress, anxiety, or fatigue, and tend to improve when the person is calm or focused on an activity.
The types of tics and their frequency may vary over the years and from person to person. Symptoms may decrease or disappear during adolescence or adulthood, although they may worsen for some in adulthood or onset for others in adulthood.
What are the causes and risk factors for Tourette’s Syndrome?
- Currently, there are no clear causes or risk factors for developing Tourette’s Syndrome, but it is associated with the part of the brain that regulates body movement. Some researchers suggest factors that may increase the risk include:
- Genetics and heredity.
- Environmental factors.
- Abnormal metabolic breakdown of dopamine in the brain.
Gender, as males are more affected than females.
How is Tourette’s Syndrome diagnosed?:
- A doctor will take the medical history and perform a clinical examination, and may request additional procedures as needed, such as:
- Imaging
Bloodtests
- These are used to rule out other conditions but are not used to diagnose Tourette’s Syndrome. Diagnosis is confirmed if:
- Involuntary tics (motor and vocal) occur multiple times a day, every day, or intermittently for at least one year.
- The involuntary tics start before the age of 18.
The tics are not caused by medications, other substances, or other health issues.
What are the treatment options for Tourette’s Syndrome?
- Treatment involves various methods based on need and may include:
- Comprehensive behavioral therapy for tics if they interfere with daily life or cause stress.
- Habit reversal behavioral therapy is aimed at managing the emotions that trigger tics.
- Treating other disorders that may coexist with Tourette Syndrome, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Medication as per the individual’s health conditions and the treating physician’s guidelines if the syndrome disrupts daily activities.
What are the preventive measures for Tourette’s Syndrome?
There are no preventive measures since the main cause is unclear, and the condition is likely hereditary.
What are the complications of Tourette’s Syndrome?
Complications related to the syndrome are often associated with the individual’s quality of life and psychological state. Providing psychological and moral support to those affected is essential.
When should you see a doctor?
Consult a doctor if symptoms appear to rule out other health conditions and confirm the diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I noticed a frequent twitch in my eyelid. Does this mean I have the syndrome?
No, this issue might be due to eye strain, especially when sitting for long periods in front of screens without blinking, and consuming stimulants like coffee can increase the likelihood of eyelid twitching. It’s advised to blink frequently and keep the eyes hydrated.
I feel a strong urge to do certain things and can’t stop thinking about them, like constantly washing my hands. Does this mean I have the syndrome?
