Tourette's Syndrome is a common neurological disorder genetically developed in adolescents and young children. It is estimated that 1 out of every 62 children have this disorder, and it frequently induces other neurological disorders and behavioral problems. Continue reading to learn about the symptoms, treatments, and more about this disorder.
About the Disorder
Tourette's Syndrome occurs when an individual's nervous system is uncontrollable, which causes the person to repeat or do movements that they do not want to. Biologically, this happens when an area of the brain called basal ganglia, which controls movements of the body, is different from healthy, which causes the nerve cells and messenger chemicals in the brain to act abnormally. Tourette's is a genetic disease, and its symptoms vary widely from person to person, as each person can have different "tics" the term for the uncontrollable sudden movements and sounds that their body forces them to do over and over again.
Symptoms
The uncontrollable actions are the main and most noticeable symptoms of Tourette's. Although some may be mild, the majority happen frequently and obviously. Tics may be induced even more during moments of stress, excitement, sickness, and tiredness, and become an issue when they are severe and embarrassing, which can affect people's social or business lives.
The two types of tics are motor (movement) and vocal tics. Some examples of these are:
Motor Tics:
- jerking or twitching of body parts such as the arms, mouth, or head
- blinking
- making a face
- shrugging the shoulders
- jumping
Vocal Tics:
- barking
- yelping
- clearing the throat
- coughing
- grunting
- repeating what they hear
- shouting
- sniffling
- swearing
- humming
- saying a specific phrase
People with Tourette's Syndrome may have one, or most often times, multiple tics. Although they can try to prevent their bodies from doing the tic, it becomes difficult, and eventually they have to do it.
These symptoms usually begin when an individual is at around 5 to 10 years old, and can improve and lessen as they get older. However, in some cases, it does continue to adulthood and may even worsen.
Treatments
Unfortunately, there is no method of completely curing an individual of Tourette's. However, it is possible to manage them.
One way for a person to temporarily stop their tics is when they're focused on an activity or remain calm. There are also medications that can treat the symptoms of related disorders, such as ADHD and OCD.
Behavior therapy is also an option, which teaches people how to manage their tics as much as possible. These can include habit reversal and CBIT, an acronym for Comprehensive Behavorial Intervention for Tics.
Training for parents as well as educating the community can help with reducing the amount of tics that occur, and create the best environment for the affect individual. Reducing teasing, bullying, and environmental stressors are very effective in making individuals comfortable and calm, slowing down the frequency and severity of tics.
Whatever treatment you want to try, it would be best to consult a doctor or psychologist about it for the most efficiency and effectiveness!
Although Tourette's is common, over half of it is undiagnosed. If you have concerns that you might have this disorder, consult a doctor as well. Some signs that you may have Tourette's are:
-If you have more than one motor tic
-You've had tics for at least 1 year, which occurs multiple times throughout the day, nearly everyday
-Your tics have began before you were 18 years old
We hope you learned a little more about Tourette's Syndrome, as well as how to be understanding and considerate of those who have it. Thank you for reading!
References:
“Data and Statistics on Tourette Syndrome | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 12 June 2020, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/tourette/data.html.
“Diagnosing Tic Disorders | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 May 2020, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/tourette/diagnosis.html.
“Tourette Syndrome Treatments | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 May 2020, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/tourette/treatments.html.
Watson, Stephanie. “Tourette’s Syndrome.” WebMD, 30 May 2014, www.webmd.com/brain/tourettes-syndrome#1.
“What Is Tourette Syndrome? | CDC.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 13 May 2020, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/tourette/facts.html.
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