Definition:
Tourette’s Syndrome is a disorder involving involuntary, repetitive movements and sounds known as tics.
What is Tourette’s Syndrome?
Tourette’s Syndrome is a condition that usually starts when a person is a child. It affects how the brain works.
People with Tourette’s do things called tics — these are sudden movements or sounds that they can’t easily control. For example, they might blink a lot, make noises, or move their arms without meaning to. These tics happen again and again, and the person isn’t doing them on purpose.
Causes of Tourette’s Syndrome (Short Version)
1. Genetics
• Often runs in families.
• You may inherit it, but not everyone with the genes will get it.
2. Brain Differences
• Involves brain chemicals (like dopamine) and brain areas that control movement and behaviour.
3. Other Factors (may increase risk)
• Problems during birth
• Infections (like strep, in rare cases)
• Early life stress
Can Tourette’s Be Diagnosed?
Yes, Tourette’s Syndrome can be diagnosed, but there is no blood test or brain scan to confirm it. Doctors diagnose it by observing symptoms and asking questions.
How is it diagnosed?
A doctor (usually a neurologist or psychiatrist) checks for these signs:
The person has both motor tics (movements) and vocal tics (sounds)
The tics have lasted for at least one year
The tics began before age 18
The tics happen regularly, not just once in a while
What the doctor might do:
Ask about when the tics started and what they look like
Talk to parents, caregivers, or teachers (especially for children)
Rule out other conditions with similar symptoms
Watch the tics over time, sometimes using videos or behavior checklists
Treatment for Tourette’s Syndrome
There is no cure for Tourette’s, but treatment can help manage the tics—especially if they cause problems in daily life.
1.
Education and Support
Learning about Tourette’s helps people and families understand the condition.
Support at school, work, or home can reduce stress, which may help reduce tics.
2.
Behavioural Therapy
The most common therapy is CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics).
CBIT teaches people how to recognize tics and use strategies to help reduce or manage them.
3.
Medication
Used when tics are severe or painful.
Medications may help reduce tic frequency and intensity, but they don’t stop tics completely.
Examples include medicines that affect dopamine in the brain.
4.
Treating Related Conditions
Many people with Tourette’s also have conditions like ADHD, OCD, or anxiety.
Treating these can also help with overall well-being.
5.
Lifestyle and Stress Management
Regular sleep, exercise, and reducing stress can sometimes make tics less noticeable.
Tics often get better with age, especially in late teens or adulthood.
Favourite part/ note/ summary— Tourettes syndrome is a syndrome where a person unintentionally makes sounds called tics. There are two types of tics motor tics and vocal tics.
Motor tics are movements a person with Tourettes make unintentionally from the body. Examples are blinking, shrugging the shoulders, jerking the head, or making faces.
Vocal tics are sounds made by the person with Tourettes unintentionally. Examples are grunting, throat clearing, sniffing, or saying words or phrases.