Tourette Syndrome – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Tourette syndrome is a disorder characterized by repeated movements or unwanted sounds, called tics, that people cannot easily control. Common examples include frequent eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, or suddenly saying unusual sounds or offensive words without meaning to.
The condition typically appears in childhood, with most cases beginning around age 6, though they can start anytime between ages 2 and 15. Boys develop the syndrome three to four times more frequently than girls.
While there’s no cure for Tourette syndrome, many people don’t require treatment if their symptoms aren’t disruptive to daily life. Various treatments can help manage more severe symptoms. For many individuals, tics often decrease or become more controllable after adolescence.
Signs and Indicators
People with Tourette syndrome experience sudden, brief movements or sounds called tics. These can range from mild to severe, with more intense tics potentially disrupting daily life, communication, and overall well-being.
Tics fall into two main categories:
- Simple tics: Brief, repetitive movements involving few muscle groups.
- Complex tics: Coordinated movement patterns that use several muscle groups.
Tics can be either physical (motor tics) or vocal (sound-based). Usually, motor tics develop before vocal ones.
Common motor tics include:
| Simple Motor Tics | Complex Motor Tics |
|---|---|
| Eye blinking | Touching objects |
| Head jerking | Repeating others’ movements |
| Shoulder shrugging | Stepping in patterns |
| Eye movements | Inappropriate gestures |
| Nose twitching | Bending or twisting |
| Mouth movements | Hopping |
Common vocal tics include:
| Simple Vocal Tics | Complex Vocal Tics |
|---|---|
| Grunting | Repeating your own words |
| Coughing | Repeating others’ words |
| Throat clearing | Using inappropriate language |
| Barking |
Tics often change over time. They may:
- Vary in type and frequency
- Get worse during illness, stress, excitement, or tiredness
- Happen during sleep
- Change as a person ages
- Worsen in early teenage years and improve during adulthood
Most people feel an uncomfortable sensation before a tic occurs, like an itch or tension. Expressing the tic brings relief. With effort, some people can temporarily suppress their tics.
When to Seek Medical Help
Visit a doctor if you notice your child making involuntary movements or sounds. Not all tics mean Tourette syndrome; many children develop temporary tics that disappear within weeks or months.
However, any unusual behavior warrants medical attention to rule out serious health conditions and get a proper diagnosis.
Causes
Scientists don’t fully understand what causes Tourette syndrome. This complex disorder likely stems from a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Brain chemicals called neurotransmitters probably play an important role in the condition.
Specifically, chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which help nerve cells communicate, may be involved. These substances help control movement and emotions.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase a person’s chance of having Tourette syndrome:
Family History: People who have relatives with Tourette syndrome or other tic disorders may be more likely to develop this condition.
Biological sex: Boys are 3โ4 times more likely than girls to have Tourette syndrome.
Complications
Tourette syndrome often allows for a healthy, active lifestyle. Yet, it can bring challenges that affect self-image.
Several conditions commonly occur alongside Tourette syndrome:
- ADHD
- OCD
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Learning disabilities
- Sleep disorders
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
People with Tourette syndrome may also experience physical issues like tic-related pain. This can include headaches. Anger management problems can develop as well.
These associated conditions may require separate treatment approaches alongside Tourette syndrome management.
