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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.
Tics, the main Tourette syndrome symptom, usually start around age five to seven, peaking around age 12.
Complex tics involve several movements and muscle groups. Some examples include jumping or repeating certain words or phrases.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vocal tics can range in severity and might include none or all of the following: barking, grunting, shouting, sniffing, and throat clearing.
Gender plays a role in TS. In fact, males are three to four times more likely to develop Tourette syndrome than females.
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?"
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.
Yes, most people, in fact, have other mental health or behavioral health conditions. These can include, ADHD, ASD, depression, learning disabilities, OCD, and more.
Your doctor might suggest using neuroleptics for Tourette syndrome. Neuroleptics are drugs that limit the activity of dopamine in the brain.
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.
Therapies such as CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy might help people manage and even reduce their tics.
While TS isn't preventable, detecting it early and getting treatment might help it from worsening or lasting into adulthood.
Excitement and anxiety will often make tics worse. Do your best to stay calm as it could help reduce the frequency of your 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.
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.
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.
Tourette's syndrome, or Tourette syndrome (TS), doesn't always look how it's portrayed on TV. Screaming profanities and jerking body movements do happen for some but there are also some very different symptoms that many experience daily. Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes motor and/or vocal tics in those who have it. There is a lot to know about TS, including how it's diagnosed, common symptoms, and how to get help—all of which you'll find in this gallery.
Curious about the realities of living with Tourette syndrome? Click through now.
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.
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
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.
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder where uncontrollable movements and/or sounds called tics occur.
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.
The reality of living with Tourette syndrome
Insights into the condition and its everyday impact
HEALTH Ts
Tourette's syndrome, or Tourette syndrome (TS), doesn't always look how it's portrayed on TV. Screaming profanities and jerking body movements do happen for some but there are also some very different symptoms that many experience daily. Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes motor and/or vocal tics in those who have it. There is a lot to know about TS, including how it's diagnosed, common symptoms, and how to get help—all of which you'll find in this gallery.
Curious about the realities of living with Tourette syndrome? Click through now.