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What is Tourette’s syndrome?

Tourette’s syndrome is a disorder of the nervous system characterized by multiple tics. Tics are sudden, brief, repetitive movements or sounds that cannot easily be controlled. Tics can be divided into simple tics and complex tics. Simple tics involve a limited number of muscle groups, however complex tics involve the movement of several muscle groups together.

Tics can be classified as:

• Motor: Simple motor tics include head jerking, blinking, nose twitching and shoulder shrugging. Complex motor tics can include touching people or objects, jumping, sniffing and in extreme cases, hitting and biting.
• Vocal: Simple vocal tics include shouting, throat clearing, clicking of the tongue and grunting. Complex vocal tics involve using swear words, obscene language and repeating what other people say.

What is the cause of Tourette’s syndrome?

The exact cause of Tourette’s syndrome is still unknown. It is a complex disorder, believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Some risk factors for Tourette’s include:

• Family history: Having a family member with Tourette’s can increase your chances of developing the condition.
• Sex: Males are on average, three times more likely to develop the condition.
• Complications during pregnancy: Women who smoke or drink alcohol during pregnancy increase the risk of complications for the baby.

What is the treatment for Tourette’s syndrome?

There is no cure for Tourette’s at present. Treatment is not necessary for a vast majority of people if tics do not greatly interfere with their everyday life. Those with complex tics can take certain medications or use therapy to help control tics and reduce symptoms.

Medical treatment:

• ADHD medication; stimulants such as Ritalin can help Tourette’s sufferers with attention span and concentration.
• Dopamine blockers; some medications such as Haloperidol (Haldol) that block or lessen dopamine levels can help control tics, however, some may cause side effects.
• Antidepressants; such as Prozac can help with anxiety that often comes with the condition.

Therapy:

• Psychotherapy; this can help those with the condition deal with their symptoms, anxiety and any other accompanying problems such as ADHD which they may possess alongside the Tourette’s.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy; this can help to reverse or control tics, identify when and why they occur and help relieve stress with relaxation techniques.