Randrom TS Facts

Tourette’s disorder, or Tourette’s syndrome (TS) as it is frequently called, is a neurological syndrome. The essential feature of Tourette’s is multiple tics that are sudden, rapid, recurrent, non-rhythmic, stereotypical, purposeless movements, or vocalizations.

Genetic studies indicate that TS is inherited as a dominate gene, but different family members may have dissimilar symptoms. A parent has a 50% chance of passing the gene to one of his/her children. The range of symptomatology varies from multiple; sever tics to very minor tics with varying degrees of attention deficit-disorder (ADD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Although the exact cause of TS is unknown, researchers believe that is it likely caused by changes in certain areas of the brain as well as imbalances of the chemical messengers in the brain (such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine).

No blood analysis, x-ray, or other medical test exists to identify TS. Diagnosis is made by observing the signs or systems as described above. A doctor may wish to use a CAT scan, EEG, or other test to rule out other disorders that could be confused with TS. Some medications cause tics, so it is important to inform the professional doing the assessment of any prescribed, over-the –counter, or street drugs to which the patient may have been exposed.

Tourette's syndrome is taken from the name of Georges Gilles de la Tourette, a French neurologist who successfully assessed the disorder in the late 1800s.

Males are affected three to four times more than females.

Not everyone is disabled by his or her symptoms, so medication may not be necessary.

When symptoms interfere with functioning, medication can effectively improve attention span, decrease impulsivity, hyperactivity, tics, and obsessive-compulsive symptomatology. Relaxation techniques and behavior therapy may also be useful for tics, ADD symptoms, and OCD symptoms.

People with TS may also be more at risk of experiencing depression and anxiety.

Tics resulting from Tourette's syndrome can be either simple or complex. Examples of simple motor tics include:

eye blinking
facial grimacing
shoulder shrugging
head/shoulder jerking


Simple vocalization tics can include:

throat clearing
sniffing
grunting sounds

More complex motor tics involve coordinated movements such as:


facial grimacing combined with head twisting
hopping
jumping
bending
twisting

Complex vocal tics include:

words
phrases

Some tics can be disabling and harmful to the patient such as punching themselves in the face or repeating swear words. Stressful situations often make tics worse whereas being calm improves them.