Tourette's Syndrome- Neurological Condition
Tourette's syndrome a neurological condition that causes individuals to exhibit uncontrollable tics, or abrupt movements or sounds. Commonly found in adolescents and younger children.
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Tourette's Syndrome
Georges Albert Edouard Brutus Gilles de la Tourette (1859–1904), a French physician and neurologist, published an account of nine patients with Tourette's in 1885. Tourette's syndrome is a neurological condition that exhibits uncontrollable tics, or abrupt movements or sounds. The easiest identification of someone with Tourette's is an eye blink or repeated clearing of the throat. Individuals with Tourette's may say things they didn't mean to utter. Tics can be controlled with medication, although some people don't require it until their symptoms are really bothersome. Tourette's syndrome has been connected to several areas of the brain, including the basal ganglia, which aids in the regulation of movements of the body. Variations in these areas might have an impact on nerve cells and the chemicals that communicate between them. The right cause for Tourette's is not yet known completely. Researchers say ''Tourette's syndrome is a condition that runs in families. Both males and females are afflicted, while dominant indicates that only one copy of the gene is required to develop the condition''. This means that a parent with Tourette's or a parent who carries the TD gene has a 50/50 probability of passing the gene on to their children with each pregnancy. In 10% to 15% of children with TD, it is linked to a nongenetic etiology.
Tics
Motor tics and verbal tics are the two types of tics. Twitches or motions that a person can't control are known as motor tics. Vocal tics are sounds that a person makes but is unable to control. A person with Tourette syndrome must exhibit at least two motor tics and one verbal tic. Tics must be present every day or on and off for more than a year, and they must begin before the person reaches the age of 18. It usually begins in childhood, and it affects more boys than girls. As children become older, their symptoms usually improve. They may totally vanish for some people.
Anyone with a tic should visit a neurologist as soon as possible. Tics are present in all children with Tourette syndrome, although they can also be present in people who do not have Tourette syndrome. Tics can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical problems and due to certain medications. Many children's tics go away on their own after a few months or a year.
Signs and Symptoms
Involuntary, unintentional motor movements (may affect many areas of the body, including the face, neck, shoulders, trunk, or hands):
- Jerking of the head
- Squinting
- Blinking
- Nose-twitching
- Any motions that are overly repetitive (for example, foot-tapping, leg jerking, or scratching)
In order to make a diagnosis of TD, one or more vocal tics (pointless sound) must be present, such as the following:
- Sounds of grunting or groaning
- Tongue clicks
- Sniffing
- Hootin
- Clearing one's throat, snorting, or coughing
- Noises of squeaking
- Hissing
Researchers are not sure why, but roughly half of patients with Tourette's also have ADHD symptoms (ADHD). You may find it difficult to focus, sit still, or complete activities.
Tourette's syndrome can also lead to problems with:
- Anxiety
- Dyslexia is a type of learning disability.
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Although there is no cure for Tourette syndrome, it is usually not necessary to seek therapy. A child with Tourette syndrome can manage his or her tics while still going to school and playing with friends. If tics are interfering with daily activities, a doctor may prescribe medication or a visit to the psychiatrist. Tourette syndrome is not a mental illness, a therapist can teach dealing and relaxation exercises that can assist. Many children with Tourette syndrome improve with age. The good news is that it will not make people less smart, and can live a normal life.
