Tourette's Syndrome
Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a disorder that causes people to make sounds and words (vocal tics) and have body movements (motor tics) that are beyond their control. Tics occur suddenly, may last from several seconds to minutes and have no meaning for the person. Tics need to be present for at least one year before the diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome can be confirmed.
Most people with Tourette's syndrome have their own unique type and pattern of tics. Tics may come and go over weeks and months. They may also change from one type to another. Many people with Tourette's syndrome have episodes of tics that interfere with their daily activities.
The first tics of Tourette's syndrome usually begin when children are between the ages of seven and 10 years, but tics can begin as early as two years of age and as late as 18. Tics that begin after the age of 18 are not considered symptoms of Tourette's syndrome. Tourette's syndrome may or may not continue into adulthood.
- About a third of children with Tourette's syndrome have no tics by the time they reach early adulthood.
- Another third have fewer and milder tics by the time they become adults.
- Another third continue to have severe tics into adulthood.
- Learning difficulties. A school-aged child with a tic that interferes with writing may have difficulty completing written assignments. Vocal tics may interfere with a child's ability to concentrate.
- Behavioral problems. Children may have aggressive, hostile, irritable and immature behavior. They may also have attention deficit hyperactive disorder.
- Children with Tourette's syndrome are also more prone to hurt themselves on purpose. Behavioral problems may be related to the emotional stress they feel because of the tics.
- Sleep problems. Patients may have trouble falling asleep, may be restless during sleep and may talk during sleep. They may also sleepwalk or have nightmares.
Sometimes tics can be suppressed (much like people can hold back a sneeze) for a short while. However, most often the person eventually needs to let go and allow the tic to occur. Tics can be absent at certain times (such as during a particular class at school or a visit to a doctor) or they may last longer and be more severe (such as after trying to suppress them or when under stress).
Causes
Most people with Tourette's syndrome are believed to have a gene that makes them more likely to develop the condition. However, that gene has not been identified. Other factors, such as emotional and physical health or external stress, may also contribute to the development of Tourette's syndrome.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome is based on the patient's medical history and the presence of tics. Diagnosis often requires keeping records of the child's symptoms and school performance over a period of time. For a diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome, the following must be present:
- Tics beginning before the age of 18. Tics that begin after that are not considered to be caused by Tourette's syndrome.
- Both body movements (motor tics) and sounds or words (vocal tics) are present (though not always at the same time) and have lasted for at least one year.
- Tics occur many times a day (usually in bouts) nearly every day. The person has no more than a three-month period of time without tics.
- Tics are not caused by another condition, such as seizures or medications (stimulants).
Treatment
There is no known cure for Tourette's syndrome. Behavioral management techniques done at home, professional counseling, relaxation therapy, biofeedback, hypnosis and some medications can be effective methods for treating the condition. Brain surgery is currently being studied as a treatment for tics.
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