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What is Tourette syndrome? -

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder where uncontrollable movements and/or sounds called tics occur.

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The difference between motor and vocal tics -

Tics are involuntary so they can't be controlled or prevented. Motor tics involve body movements and vocal tics involve the voice. They can involve spoken words or sounds like throat clearing.

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How common is Tourette syndrome? -

Approximately one in 100 children have some variation of a tic disorder while only about one in 160 children have Tourette syndrome. Additionally, about 200,000 people in the US have a severe form of Tourette syndrome. 

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Is it the only tic disorder? -

While Tourette syndrome is the most severe of tic disorders, it's not the only one. Others include provisional tic disorder and persistent or chronic tic disorder.

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When do tics usually start occurring? -

Tics, the main Tourette syndrome symptom, usually start around age five to seven, peaking around age 12.

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Complex tics -

Complex tics involve several movements and muscle groups. Some examples include jumping or repeating certain words or phrases.

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Simple tics -

Simple tics on the other hand are repeated movements that involve only a few groups of muscles. Shoulder shrugging or sniffing are examples of simple tics.

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Examples of motor tics -

Some prominent examples of motor tics are arm jerking, bending at the waist, blinking, twisting or jerking your head, hopping, jaw movements, or twisted facial expressions.

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Examples of vocal tics -

Vocal tics can range in severity and might include none or all of the following: barking, grunting, shouting, sniffing, and throat clearing.

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Are motor tics harmful? -

Usually, tics aren't harmful. However, there are certain instances where this isn't the case. A motor tic for example might make someone accidently hit themselves in the face and cause damage.

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Are vocal tics harmful? -

A vocal tic is known as coprolalia and can lead to swearing or inappropriate language. Because of this, adults, and especially children might receive unwanted attention or even discipline for their actions.

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What causes Tourette syndrome? -

Tourette syndrome's cause is currently unknown. There are several risk factors and it's likely due to how your brain metabolizes or breaks down neurotransmitters. Dopamine is one neurotransmitter that regulates behavior and movement.

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Risk factors: gender -

Gender plays a role in TS. In fact, males are three to four times more likely to develop Tourette syndrome than females.

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Family history and prenatal health -

Parents may pass Tourette syndrome down through genes. Additionally, if a mother smoked or had health complications during pregnancy, the child may be at a higher risk of having TS. 

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How is Tourette syndrome diagnosed? -

For a healthcare provider to be able to diagnose you with Tourette's, motor and vocal symptoms must have been happening for more than a year.

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Are there blood tests or imaging that can detect Tourette's? -

There isn't a blood test for the detection of TS, however, your doctor should carefully review your medical history, symptoms, and ask questions to properly diagnose you.

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What questions might the doctor ask? -

Some questions the medical provider might ask you include "How often do the tics happen," "At what age did the tics start," and "Are the tics complex or simple?"

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Does TS ever occur with other health conditions? -

Yes, most people, in fact, have other mental health or behavioral health conditions. These can include, ADHD, ASD, depression, learning disabilities, OCD, and more.

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What is the treatment for Tourette syndrome? -

If a person has mild tics then treatment is often not even needed. However, more severe tics can cause disruptions in work, school, or even social situations.

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How can medication help? -

Your doctor might suggest using neuroleptics for Tourette syndrome. Neuroleptics are drugs that limit the activity of dopamine in the brain.  

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How can behavioral therapy help? -

Therapies such as CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy might help people manage and even reduce their tics.

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CBT: response to tics -

CBT teaches a person with tics to do a new or competing response instead of the tic. For example, you might voluntarily shut your eyes instead of involuntarily blinking.

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Recognize tics -

Sometimes a premonitory urge, or a sensation right before a tic, will occur. By recognizing this urge, you might be able to avoid the tic.

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Reduce tics -

Excitement and anxiety will often make tics worse. Do your best to stay calm as it could help reduce the frequency of your tics.

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Is Tourette syndrome preventable? -

While TS isn't preventable, detecting it early and getting treatment might help it from worsening or lasting into adulthood.

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What is the outlook for someone living with Tourette’s? -

There is no cure for Tourette syndrome, however, the condition will usually get better in early adulthood. For those who have Tourette's into their adult years, there is still a normal life expectancy.

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What can I do to make living with Tourette syndrome easier? -

It can be quite a challenge to live with Tourette's, especially for children. Some ideas that may help them are, being in smaller-sized classes, getting personalized attention in a school environment, and having more time to complete assignments.

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When should I contact my healthcare? -

If someone with Tourette syndrome becomes violent, injures themselves or others, or talks about dark thoughts and actions, contact your emergency provider right away.

Sources: (Cleveland Clinic) (Britannica)

See also: Uncommon medical conditions with really strange symptoms

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