Orphan SA :: Tourette's Syndrome

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    2. Tourette’s Syndrome

      This patient educational material on this website does not provide all available information about this condition and is not intended as a substitute for seeking professional medical care and advice. If you have any further questions or concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.

      Tourette’s Syndrome (TS)

      What is Tourette’s Syndrome (TS)?
      Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) is an inherited neurological disorder characterised by repeated involuntary movements and uncontrolled vocal sounds called tics. In a few cases, such tics can include inappropriate words and phrases. The syndrome was first described in 1886 but a neurologist by the name of Dr. George Gilles de la Tourette.

      What causes TS?
      The pathogenesis of tics is unknown. It is believe to be related to an excessive activity of a certain chemical neurotransmitter pathway (known as the dopaminergic system).

      The symptoms of TS generally appear before the individual is 18 years old, and is more prevalent in males than in females.

      What are the signs and symptoms of TS?
      Although TS symptoms may range from very mild to quite severe, the majority of the cases fall into the mild category. The first symptoms of TS are usually facial tics – commonly eye blinking, elevation of eyelids and eye closure. With time, other motor tics may appear, such as head jerking, neck stretching, shoulder shrugging, foot stamping, or body twisting and bending. It is not uncommon for a person with TS to continuously clear his or her throat, cough, sniff, grunt, yelp, bark, or shout.

      Are there other diseases associated with TS?
      People with TS who are being treated for the condition also develop associated behavioural problems, particularly obsessive-compulsive behaviours during which certain repetitive actions or rituals are performed. In addition, it has been reported that many of children who are being treated for TS may also have symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is characterised by overactivity as well as difficulty maintaining attention. Affected children may also have impulse control difficulties and learning disabilities.

      Tics may not only be embarrassing but may significantly interfere with certain activities such as writing or reading as well as other activities of daily living. Because of anxiety about experiencing tics in public or social situations, patients may develop extreme self-consciousness or depression and attempt to withdraw from professional or social situations. In addition, ADHD, impulsivity, learning problems, and obsessive-compulsive behaviours may interfere with social interactions and impair academic and occupational performance.

      How is TS diagnosed?
      The diagnosis of TS is based upon a thorough clinical evaluation, observation and assessment of characteristic symptoms, and careful patient and family medical history examinations. There are no definitive diagnostic tests for Tourette’s Syndrome.

      What is the prognosis?
      There is no cure for Tourette’s Syndrome; however, the condition in many individuals improves as they mature. Individuals with TS can expect to live a normal life span. Although TS is generally life-long and chronic in some individuals, it is not degenerative.

      Some patients may have weeks or even years without symptoms. Tic frequency and severity often significantly diminish during adolescence or adulthood. In addition, in many patients, symptoms may completely resolve by early adulthood. These tics may occur a few or many times during the day, often in clusters. Tics often subside during absorbing activities such as reading or working, decline during sleep, worsen with stress or fatigue, and may be voluntarily suppressed for brief periods.

      What are the treatment/management options? Can TS be treated?
      The goal of therapy in the patients with TS is to reduce motor and vocal tics, and alleviate associated behaviour problems, such as obsessive-compulsive behaviours, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and impulsive behaviours. Individual who do not show any significant functional impairments or symptoms may not need treatment with medications. Your doctor will be able to advise you on this.

      Biofeedback, relaxation methods, or other behavioural techniques may occasionally be helpful in alleviating stress that potentially can aggravate tics. In addition, patients with associated behavioural difficulties may often benefit from individualised academic, vocational, social, or other supportive services.

      Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health, your condition or your medication. Remember that your doctor is the best source of information regarding you and your health.

      Where can I find more information about this condition or support organisations?
      Additional information is available from the following website(s):

      www.tourette.org.au

      The information is intended for use only by customers, patients and health care professionals within Australia. Countries outside Australia may have regulatory and legal requirements, and available medical treatments, which are different than those in Australia.
       
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