Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome (TS), is a neurological condition characterised by involuntary, fast, and repetitive movements or sounds called tics. Tic disorders, of which Tourette’s syndrome is a part, affect the developing neurological system.

Causes

Multiple brain regions, including the movement-regulating basal ganglia, have been implicated with Tourette’s syndrome. The chemicals used to transmit information between nerve cells and the brain might be affected by any variations in this area. According to researchers, problems in this brain network have been linked to Tourette’s syndrome.

While the specific source of these neurological issues is unknown, genetics is thought to have an influence.

Those with close relatives who also suffer from Tourette’s are at a higher risk of developing the disorder. However, even members of the same family might experience symptoms differently.

Symptoms

Tics are the most notable sign. It’s easy to overlook some of them since they’re so subtle. In comparison, others are frequent and easy to spot.

Tics can be classified into two types:

Tics that originate in the muscles, known as motor tics, cause repetitive movements like:

  • Shaking of the head or arms
  • Blinking
  • Making faces
  • Twitching of the mouth
  • Shrugging the shoulders

Vocal tics are:

  • Barking or yelping
  • Throat clearing
  • Grunting
  • Coughing
  • Parroting someone else’s words
  • Yelling
  • Smelling
  • Swearing

Diagnosis

One motor tic and one verbal tic must be present for at least a year before making a diagnosis.

  • EEG
  • MRI
  • CT

Treatment

  • Therapies
  • Medications
  • Neurological treatments

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