Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome — also called Tourette's syndrome, Tourette Spectrum (TS), Tourette's disorder, or Gilles de la Tourette syndrome is a neurological or neurochemical disorder characterized by tics: involuntary, rapid, sudden movements or vocalizations that occur repeatedly in the same way. Symptoms include multiple motor and one or more vocal tics present at some time during the disorder although not necessarily simultaneously; the occurrence of tics many times a day (usually in bouts) nearly every day or intermittently throughout a span of more than one year; the periodic change in the number, frequency, type and location of the tics, and in the waxing and waning of their severity; symptoms disappearing for weeks or months at a time; and onset before the age of 18. Vocal tics may fall into various categories, including echolalia (the urge to repeat words spoken by someone else after being heard by the person with the disorder), palilalia (the urge to repeat one's own previously spoken words), lexilalia (the urge to repeat words after reading them) and, most controversially, coprolalia (the spontaneous utterance of socially objectionable words, such as obscenities and racial or ethnic slurs). There are many other vocal tics besides those categorized by word repetition - in fact, a TS tic can be almost any possible short vocal sound, with the most common tics resembling throat clearing, short coughs, grunts, or moans. Motor tics can be of endless variety and may include hand-clapping, banging the knuckles together, and contorted facial grimacing.

Treatment

The majority of people with TS require no medication, but medication is available to help when symptoms interfere with functioning. TS medications are only able to help reduce specific symptoms. Neuroleptic and antihypertensive drugs can have long- and short-term adverse effects, and use of stimulants is controversial. SSRIs, a class of antidepressants, may be prescribed when a TS patient is triggered by symptoms of OCD.

Related Topics:
Neuroleptic - Antihypertensive - Drugs - Adverse effects - Stimulant - SSRIs - Antidepressant - OCD

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Researchers are also investigating the use of nicotine patches as a treatment. However, while the results are promising, physicians urge that the dangers of nicotine as a carcinogen outweigh the benefits of this treatment. Researchers are seeking a substitute that can target brain disorders in the same way, without the risks. (BBC News)

Related Topics:
Nicotine patch - Nicotine - Carcinogen

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In February 2004, surgeons in the US successfully carried out a brain surgery in which tiny electrodes, powered by batteries inserted in the chest, were placed beside the thalamus in each cerebral hemisphere. Within half a minute of activating the electrodes, the patient could walk normally and displayed a complete lack of symptoms. This surgery is not a cure; it is regarded as an experimental and dangerous procedure, and is unlikely to become widespread.

Related Topics:
February 2004 - Surgeon - US - Brain - Electrode - Batteries - Thalamus - Cerebral hemisphere - Symptom

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In any case, the condition in many individuals improves as they mature. Individuals with TS can expect to live a normal life span. Although TS is generally lifelong and chronic, it is not degenerative. In a few cases, complete remission occurs after adolescence, and in many cases this occurs after the age of 40.

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A third to half a lifetime of living with TS generally gives one survival skills to manage the disorder. The great majority of tourettics have learned to cover-up the more socially inappopriate tics.

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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be used to try to disrupt the automatic chain of events underlying the tics. Relaxation techniques and biofeedback may also be useful in relieving the stress that may aggravate tics.

Related Topics:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - Relaxation technique - Biofeedback

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