Causes Tourette syndrome is a genetic disorder, which means it's the result of a change in genes that's either inherited passed on from parent to child or happens during development in the womb.
P Diagnosis and Treatment To be diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, a child must have several different types of tics — specifically, multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic — for at least a year. Dealing With Tourette Syndrome Many people don't understand what Tourette syndrome is or what causes it, so they might not know how to act around someone who has tics. These tips can help kids with Tourette syndrome cope: Get involved.
Some experts say that when kids and teens are engrossed in an activity, their tics are milder and less frequent. Sports, exercise, or hobbies are great ways for kids to focus mental and physical energy. Lend a helping hand. Dealing with Tourette syndrome often makes kids and teens more understanding of other people's feelings, especially other young people with problems.
They might use that special sensitivity to volunteer. Knowing that they've helped others might help build confidence and lessen any self-consciousness about feeling different.
Embrace creativity. Creative activities such as writing, painting, or making music help focus the mind on other things — and they help it develop. Find support. The Tourette Syndrome Association sponsors support groups with others who understand the challenges of Tourette syndrome.
The main symptom of Tourette syndrome is tics. Tics are rapid movements or sounds that are repeated over and over for no reason. Examples of common tics include:. Some tics are small and are not that noticeable.
Tics often get worse when a person feels stressed, tired, anxious, or excited. They can become better when a person is calm or focused on an activity. If a child has Tourette syndrome, the tics usually start when he or she is between 5 and 10 years old. They often start with a tic in the head or neck area.
Other tics may follow. The movements and sounds may change over time. Some tics go away after a few months. Sometimes a person will have 1 or 2 tics for many years. Children who have Tourette syndrome usually have their worst symptoms when they are between 9 and 13 years old.
After that time, the tics may fade in intensity or go away completely. Less than half of the people who have Tourette syndrome as children have moderate to severe tics as adults.
It is possible for your child to have a tic but not have Tourette syndrome. Talk to your family doctor if you think your child may have a tic or Tourette syndrome. They do know that Tourette syndrome seems to run in families. It is more common in boys than in girls. For a parent, seeing or hearing your child exhibit these unexpected movements or sounds can be extremely worrisome.
There are likely a ton of questions going through your head: Is my child having a seizure? What is causing this? Should I take them to the doctor? Will they have this tic forever? When a parent brings their child to a doctor to diagnose a tic disorder, they can expect the visit to include a physical exam as well as examining the history and description of the movements.
If the neurological exam is abnormal such as increased tone, spasticity, rigidity, or weakness , tics may be secondary to another condition, and an MRI of the brain, with and without contrast, should be performed. Your child should also be referred to a neurologist. However, in the vast majority of cases no further investigations are necessary unless the presentation and clinical findings suggest it. Many parents are surprised to learn that most tics in children are transient and do not require treatment.
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