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Cure for Tourette’s Syndrome

admin — Tue, 25 May 2010 04:59:36 +0000

Tourette syndrome is a disorder of the nervous system and it is characterized by sudden, repetitive, purposeless and involuntary muscular movements known as tics along with repetitive vocalizations. This is not a degenerative condition and the individual can learn behavior techniques to control his tics.

Laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures

There are no specific laboratory tests or diagnostic procedures to establish the diagnosis of Tourette’s syndrome. The child is usually brought to the doctor after he starts showing symptoms of tics. The most common tics are facial tics and the parents may complain that the child suffers from facial tics and vocal tics especially when he is nervous or stressed. Tics can be usually diagnosed at a regular health check up. The health care professional may monitor the condition for a few months as transient tics are a common occurrence in childhood and present no other complications. These tics usually go away on their own after three to four months and no medical intervention is needed. When the child suffers from persistent, severe and disabling tics or when the child shows other symptoms such as sleeping disorders and learning disabilities such as dyslexia then the doctor may refer the person suffering from tics to a neurologist in order to assess the cause of tics. The doctor may also conduct blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound and x-ray examination in order to rule out all other possible causes of tics or other neurological disorders.

Diagnosis of Tourette syndrome

The diagnosis of Tourette syndrome is based on the following observations:

The affected person shows symptoms of numerous motor tics and at least one vocal tic.
The child has frequent occurrences of tics in one day and the tics occur nearly every day or every few days for a period of more than one year. The tics have a tendency to recur. They last for a few days, disappear and start again after a couple of days. In order to be diagnosed with Tourette syndrome the tic free period should not exceed three months.
In Tourette syndrome the tics usually appear before the child turns 12 months old.
All other causes of tics and all other neurological disorders have been excluded.

Milder forms of Tourette syndrome can be wrongly diagnosed, as it often occurs at the same time as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder. Once the diagnosis of Tourette syndrome is established then the doctor can pan the line of treatment.

Medication

If a child is suffering from a minor form of Tourette syndrome then he may not be prescribed any medicines as the side effects of these medicines may lead to the aggravation of the existing symptoms. Clondine may be used as the first line of treatment for tics. Another drug used in the treatment for tics is tenex. Tenex helps to calm down the hyperactive behavior in children.

Behavior techniques

Children are usually taught behavior techniques in order to cope with the tics. Tics are made worse by stress. Providing a calm, happy and non stressful environment for the child usually helps reducing the instances of tics.

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Causes of Tourette’s Syndrome

admin — Mon, 24 May 2010 06:34:46 +0000

There are certain myths involved about the cause of Tourette disorder. Many people believe that this disorder is caused in children as a result of faulty upbringing. Often parents are blamed for the development of this disorder in their children and made to feel guilty about it. It has to be understood that this is a disorder of the nervous system and it is not related in any way to faulty upbringing. This is not a degenerative condition and people affected by this disorder can lead a normal life. People often blame the parents that this disorder could have been prevented. However, clinical studies that have been conducted so far on this subject, have not come up with any method in which the development of tourette disorder can be prevented. The exact cause of Tourette syndrome isn’t known. Studies have indicated that Tourette’s syndrome can be caused due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some of the theories that can be associated with development of Tourette’s syndrome are as follows:

Genetic predisposition may be involved in Tourette’s syndrome

Studies have shown that Tourette’s syndrome may be caused as result of genetic tendency. Children affected by this disorder may have a family member or a close relative who is suffering from tics or any other neurological disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or conduct disorder. However, scientists have still not been able to determine the exact genes involved that lead to the development of this disorder. This disorder is more common in boys than in girls and children between the ages of two to 21 years are more likely to be affected by this disorder.

Abnormalities in certain areas of the brain may be linked to the development of Tourette’s syndrome

Another theory which has been put forward to explain the cause of Tourette’s syndrome is abnormalities in certain areas of the brain. According to some researchers Tourette’s syndrome is caused as a result of certain changes in the areas of the brain, especially the basal ganglia, frontal lobes of the brain, cortex and the circuits or the pathways that interconnect these complex regions of the brain.

Chemical abnormalities may cause Tourette’s syndrome

According to some clinical scientists Tourette’s syndrome may be caused as a result of chemical abnormalities in the neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and nonepinephrine. Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers in the brain. They are responsible for the communication among the nerve cells. Any disturbance in their chemical composition causes disorder of the neurological system which is manifested in the form of tics.

Environmental factors may play a role in the development of Tourette’s syndrome

Some researchers believe that there might be a link between viral and bacterial infections and the development of Tourette’s syndrome. But this theory is controversial.

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Tourette’s Syndrome

admin — Sun, 23 May 2010 05:20:08 +0000

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is commonly known as Tourette’s syndrome or Tourette’s disorder. Tourette syndrome is a disorder of the nervous system. The hallmark of this neurological disorder is involuntary tics and repetitive vocalizations. Tics are sudden, repetitive, and stereotyped muscular movements. They are involuntary and difficult to control. They may involve a single muscle group or more than one muscle group.

Incidence of Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome commonly affects people between the ages of two and 21 years. However, the symptoms of Tourette syndrome are first noticed during childhood, between ages 7 and 10. Tourette syndrome is more common in boys than in girls. It can affect people from all races and ethnic backgrounds.

Symptoms of Tourette syndrome

The symptoms of Tourette syndrome may vary in intensity in different individuals. Some of the common symptoms are listed below:

Facial tics

This is the most common symptom of Tourette syndrome. It is usually the first symptom that is noticed in children. Facial tics include constant wrinkling of the nose, blinking of the eyes and lip biting. The person affected by this condition may also indulge in other involuntary movements like touching the cheeks and twitching the head. Facial tics usually become worse when the person is nervous or anxious. Facial tics are aggravated by stress or drawing the attention of the child to his tics.

Other tics

Other tics such as shoulder shrugging are also extremely common. The affected person gets an urge to do the tic as in sneezing or itching. He feels better only when he performs the tic. Tics are hard to suppress and difficult to control. The person suffering from tourette disorder may also indulge in other tics such as snapping the fingers, smoothing clothing, obscene movements or gestures, touching things of other people and knee jerking. The tics may be present for a few days or a few months and then disappear. The tics may vary in severity and frequency. This is not a degenerative condition and the individual can learn behavior techniques to control his tics.

Vocal tics

When these involuntary, sudden and repetitive movements involve vocalization then these tics are called as vocal tics. Vocal tics may sound like cursing, muttering or blabbering inappropriate stuff. It may also involve repeating words from the speech of others or repeating just one word constantly. Some of the common examples of vocal tics are coughing, grunting, hissing and constant throat clearing as if wanting to say something.

Associated symptoms

A child affected by this disorder may also have associated problems such as difficulty in falling asleep and staying asleep, sleep disorders, poor academic performance at school, lack of self confidence, low self-esteem and the inability to control their temper. Some children may also suffer from learning difficulties, such as dyslexia or obsessive compulsive behavior. Milder forms of Tourette syndrome can be wrongly diagnosed, as it often occurs at the same time as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder.

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Cure for Tics

admin — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 07:47:59 +0000

Transient tics do not need any treatment

Tics are a common occurrence in childhood. Tics are made worse by stress or drawing the attention of the child to his tics. In such cases the tics may last for a short duration of time such as three to four months. In these cases no treatment is required and the child usually outgrows this condition.

A calm non stressful environment helps in reducing the frequency of the tics

Tics may occur when a child is facing a stressful environment as in being bullied in school or joining a new childcare center. Providing a calm, happy and non stressful environment for the child usually helps reducing the instances of tics. Reducing stress makes the tics go away and no treatment is needed. Studies have shown that tics are aggravated by a disturbed sleep or lack of sleep. Hence it is important for a person suffering from tics to get enough rest and sleep as it has a calming and relaxing effect on the mind thereby reducing the severity of tics.

Alternative treatments like counseling are also recommended for the cure of tics

Other treatments include psychological counseling and behavioral modification which may help the child manage the stressful situations and deal with his tics in a positive manner.

Medical intervention should also be considered in the treatment of tics

If the tics keep on relapsing after a short duration, or if the tics are persistent and severe and they affect many muscle groups then medical intervention should be considered by the parents or the care provider. The doctor may refer the person suffering from tics to a neurologist in order to assess the cause of tics. If tics are disabling then the health care professional may look into prescribing medications such as risperdal .Risperdal helps to control the frequency and severity of the tics. Clondine may be used as the first line of treatment for tics by some neurologists. Another drug used in the treatment for tics is tenex. Tenex helps to calm down the hyperactive behavior in children. This helps in reducing the frequency of tics.

Treating the underlying cause is important for the cure of tics

Tics may be an associated symptom of neurological disorders such as Huntington’s disease and Tourette’s syndrome. It can also be one of the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder and stroke. In rare cases tics can be caused as a result of thyroid disease, schizophrenia and brain damage. Tics can also occur as a side effect of some medications such as Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall and Tegretol. So the doctor does a careful physical examination of the person suffering from tics. A history of other disorders and medication is also taken into account. Various laboratory procedures like blood and urine tests, ultrasound and X ray are performed in order to determine the exact cause of the tics. Once the underlying cause of tics is detected then it becomes easier for the health care professional to plan the treatment.

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Causes of Tics

admin — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:55:53 +0000

Tics are stereotyped motor movement or vocalization involving groups of muscles. They are sudden, purposeless, rapid and repeated contractions of muscles.

Some of the common causes of tics are listed below:

Simple tics are a common occurrence in childhood

Simple tics commonly occur in the early childhood years. Boys are four times more likely to be suffering from tics than girls. Before doing a tic people affected by this condition usually feel an urge to do the tic like sneezing or itching. Tics are difficult to control. Once they do the tic they feel better. They can be suppressed but only for a short time and only with conscious effort. The cause of simple tics is not yet known. They disappear after three to four months and generally do not need any treatment. However, in some cases the tics may last well into adulthood. Children suffering from stress like childhood bullying or nervous anxiety are known to suffer from tics. Tics are made worse by stress or drawing the attention of the child to his tics. The symptoms of tics in children usually appear suddenly and overnight.

Tics may be associated with streptococcal infections

Streptococcal infections have been associated with the development of tics. PANDAS, is an abbreviation for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. This term is used to describe auto immune disorders or neurological tic disorders such as Tourette’s syndrome in children affected by streptococcal infections like streptococcal throat infections or scarlet fever. When a child suffers from the streptococcal infection the body develops antibodies in order to fight this infection. These antibodies fight the infection but they also attack the basal ganglia leading to the development of tics. In many cases the child suffers from streptococcal throat infections and suddenly develops tics. In other cases the existing symptoms of tics are made worse when the child is affected by streptococcal infections.

Tics can be a symptom of other disorders

Tics can also be a major symptom of other disorder such as Huntington’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, some infections, or a stroke.

Hereditary factors may be responsible in the development of tics

Tics may be caused due to hereditary factors. Research has shown that people with tics generally have a family member or a close relative also suffering from tics.

Tics can be caused as a result of some medicines and drugs

Tics can also occur as a side effect of some medications such as Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall and Tegretol.

Other rare causes of tics

Tics can also be caused as associated symptoms of disease such as thyroid disease, schizophrenia, stroke and brain damage. Tics can also be caused as a result of abuse of stimulant drugs.

Tics are aggravated by stress

Stressful conditions are known to aggravate tics in the affected people. Facial tics like blinking of eye, twitching or wrinkling of nose and shoulder shrugging are aggravated when the affected person becomes nervous or anxious.

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Symptoms of Tics

admin — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 20:31:02 +0000

Tics are sudden, repetitive, rapid, purposeless and involuntary movements. They involve discrete muscle groups. Tics are virtually identical to one another. They are non rhythmic movements involving discrete muscle groups. If a single group of muscle is involved in the involuntary movements then they are referred to as simple tics. If a stereotyped movement occurs as a result of complex group of muscles involved then it is referred to as complex tic. Tics may be vocal like blabbering inappropriate stuff or may even involve repetition of a word several times.

Who is at risk of developing tics?

Tics are more likely to affect children. Children usually outgrow this condition. But in some cases the tics may continue well into adulthood. Boys are four times more likely to be suffering from tics than girls. Urge to do the tics

Before doing a tic people affected by this condition usually feel an urge to do the tic like sneezing or itching. Tics are difficult to control. Once they do the tic they feel better. They can be suppressed but only for a short time and only with conscious effort. Tics are made worse by stress or drawing the attention of the child to his tics.

Symptoms of simple motor tics

Simple motor tics are usually rapid involuntary movements that invoke a single group of muscles. Some of the common involuntary movements associated with simple motor tics are listed below:

Shoulder shrugging
Constants wrinkling of the nose
Blinking of the eyes
Touching the cheeks and the upper lip repeatedly
Constant twitching of the head
Lip biting especially when nervous or anxious
Facial grimacing
Squatting and hopping
Knee jerking
Jumping

Symptoms of complex motor tics

Complex motor tics involve more than one group of muscles. Involuntary movements associated with complex motor tics are not as rapid as the simple motor tics. So when a person performs complex motor tics they usually give an impression that they are doing these movements on purpose. Some of the common involuntary movements associated with complex motor tics are listed below:

Coughing
Grunting
Constant throat clearing as if wanting to say something
Sniffing
Hissing
Smoothing clothing
Bending over to touch the floor
Obscene movements or gestures
Snapping the fingers
Touching things of other people
Head banging

Tics are usually transient and last for a short period of time. However, in very rare cases tics may last for years. This condition is known as chronic motor tic disorder. Tics can also be a major symptom of a separate disorder known as Gilles de la tourette syndrome. Tics can also be a part of other disorders like Huntington’s disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder, some infections, or a stroke.

Tics can be a major factor for embarrassment in some people. Since they cannot control their tics and they are not in a position to observe their tics they may have exaggerated ideas about their symptoms.

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What are Tics

admin — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 19:42:02 +0000

Tics are sudden, repetitive, rapid, purposeless and involuntary movements. They involve discrete muscle groups. Tics are not rhythmic movements and are virtually identical to one another. Tics are stereotyped motor movement or vocalization involving discrete muscle groups. Before doing a tic people affected by this condition usually feel an urge to do the tic. Once they do the tic they feel better. Tics are difficult to control. They can be suppressed but only for a short time and only with conscious effort.

Incidence of Tics

Tics are most likely to affect individuals in their early childhood years. Children usually outgrow this condition but in some cases the symptoms of tics can last well into adolescence. Boys are three to four times more likely to be affected by tics than girls. Tics may affect as many as one-fourth of all children at some time.

Types of tics

Tics that involve the involuntary movements are known as motor tics. Tics that involve sound are known as vocal tics. Vocal tics are usually simper and a lot less scary. Often people think that person who does vocal tics is cursing them or blurting something inappropriate. Tics are repeated, uncontrolled spasm-like muscle movements. Tics are classified as simple tics and complex tics.

Simple motor tics

Simple motor tics involve a single muscle group. They are usually rapid involuntary movements. Shoulder shrugging, nose wrinkling, head twitching, repetitive touching, facial grimacing, eye blinking and lip biting are some of the common movements that are associated with simple motor tics.

Complex motor tics

Complex motor tics are the type of tics that usually involve more than one muscle group. They also look like the person is performing the tic purposefully. Some of the common movements involved with complex motor tics are coughing, grunting, throat clearing and sniffing. In complex vocal tics the speech is more meaningful. It may involve repeating words from the speech of others.

Diagnosis of tics

Tics can sometimes be diagnosed at a regular medical checkup. The health care provider will usually diagnose a tic during a physical examination. No special diagnostic tests or laboratory procedures are needed to diagnose tics. However, the doctor may advise the person suffering from tics to undergo and EEG scan in order to rule out other medical conditions like seizures.

Prognosis of tics

Tics are usually a temporary condition. Many cases of tics cannot be prevented. Calling the child’s attention to a tic may make it worse or cause it to continue. Studies have found that stress makes tics worse. Reducing stress may be helpful in curing tics. A non-stressful environment can reduce the frequency of tics, and help them go away more quickly. In some cases children can be provided counseling in order to cope with stress. No medical attention is needed for transient tics and the person suffering from tics outgrows this condition usually within three months. Tics usually affect children. In some cases the symptoms of tics can last well into adulthood.

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