Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome

            Tourette syndrome can be recognized by uncontrolled movements or sounds in an individual that often manifest themselves as tics. It was first discovered by the French neurologist Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette in 1885 (NINDS, 2018). The syndrome usually is detected in childhood and can be seen in a number of different ways, and differs from person to person (NINDS, 2018).

            Tourette syndrome is commonly known for the tics that accompany it. These tics can be large or small, and frequent or rare depending on the severity. There are two types of tics that are involved with Tourette syndrome, complex tics and simple tics. Complex tics are often more frequent and coordinated, while simple tics are much shorter and spontaneous. These tics can appear as oral or involving motor skills, such as arms and legs or other parts of the body. The Mayo Clinic lists blinking, twitching, and mouth movements as a few of the most common motor tics, and coughing, clearing of the throat, and grunting as some of the most common tics that are vocal (Mayo Clinic, 2018).

https://com-movement-disorders-tourettes.sites.medinfo.ufl.edu/files/2016/07/TS-iceberg.jpg 

            Tourette syndrome is often not treated with medication. This is because tics are not largely impactful to the everyday lives of individuals with Tourette syndrome. In extreme cases where Tourette syndrome affects an individual severely, neuroleptics can be prescribed to a patient. These are often not recommended because of the numerous side effects associated with neuroleptics. Ending neuroleptics is also an issue because it can lead to a relapse in tics (NINDS, 2018). These factors are always considered when neuroleptics are being prescribed to a patient, as there are multiple benefits and various disadvantages. 

            Although the direct reason for developing Tourette syndrome is unknown, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke discusses how it is an inherited disease. It is a complex variety of factors that influences if an individual will develop Tourette syndrome, it has been proven that genes do play a role (NINDS, 2018). Tourette syndrome varies so significantly from person to person, that this factor is not consistent either. Not every case results in inheritance, but this can be a contributing factor. 

Sources

Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tourette-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet

Tourette syndrome. (2018, August 08). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tourette-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20350465