Tourette's Syndrome

George Gilles de la Tourette was the doctor who first recognized the symptoms. It normally begins in childhood or teenage and is caused by problems with the development of the central nervous system. It normally runs in families though sporadic Tourette syndrome (Tourettes Syndrome) is not inherited.

Causes of Tourette Syndrome

Though it is accepted that Tourettes Syndrome usually runs in families, though how it is inherited and the genes that are involved is still being researched. It is possible that some parts Tourettes Syndrome of the nervous system develop unevenly causing the symptoms of Tourettes Syndrome.

The cause of sporadic Tourettes Syndrome, which is not inherited, is not known yet.

Symptoms of Tourette Syndrome

Symptoms of Tourettes Syndrome often start at around the age of seven or early teens. In many cases, the symptoms may reduce as the child develops into adulthood and may disappear. Some of the characteristics include:

• Physical tics such as facial twitches, blinking, head and foot movements Tourettes Syndrome,
• Vocal tics or noises such as coughing, throat clearing, snorting and repeating words

In very extreme Tourettes Syndrome cases some of the symptoms include:

• Throat noises such as barking, snorting and screaming,
• Complex physical movement like jumping, bending, squatting, kicking or making obscene gestures, and
• Words or repeating what other people say especially obscene words

Treatment of Tourettes Syndrome

People with Tourettes Syndrome may be referred to a variety of different health care professionals for treatment. These may include pediatric neurologists Tourettes Syndrome and child psychologists Tourettes Syndrome. People with mild Tourettes Syndrome often do not require treatment and can learn to live with the symptoms.

Medication may be used if symptoms are more severe. The medication will depend on the nature of the tics and how severe they are.

About half of those with Tourettes Syndrome also have problems with attention and hyperactivity. This may be shown by impulsive behavior, restlessness and short attention span. In extreme cases it can be very similar to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Most avoid social situations that they view as stressful since it can make their tics worse. This is one of the reasons they find it difficult in a school environment however intelligent they are.

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