Tourette syndrome (TS) can run in families. It is also inherited in children of mothers who had it when they were pregnant, and babies with low birth weight may be more likely to get the disorder. The main symptom of TS is tics, especially complex ones involving many muscle groups. A common example of a complex vocal tic is repeating words. Diagnosis is important, as is proper treatment. Learn about the diagnosis and treatment of TS.
Treatment options
There are many different Tourette treatment options available, but none are guaranteed to cure the condition. In fact, the causes and prevention of this disorder are still unknown. Genetics is believed to play a part, but researchers are still looking into specific genes that may be responsible for this disorder. Family clusters have been identified as a genetic risk factor for Tourette's. But despite this knowledge, the symptoms of Tourette syndrome can vary among individuals.
The most common form of treatment for Tourette Syndrome is a combination of behavioral therapy and medications. Behavioral therapy helps reduce the frequency and intensity of tics. Medications may also be prescribed for some cases, including ADHD drugs and dopamine blockers. Although there are several side effects associated with medication, it is best to discuss any potential risks and benefits with a physician. In addition to medications, Botulinum injections may be used for treatment. These injections are often used for headaches, but they also may reduce tics in some cases.
If your symptoms persist, your GP can refer you to a specialist. He or she may recommend behavioural therapy or a referral to a neurologist, who specializes in the brain and nervous system. For children, behavioural therapy is usually provided by a psychologist or specially trained therapist. For adults, medicines are another option. Some people find that psychotherapy helps them overcome the social and psychological difficulties associated with the condition.
In addition to behavioral therapy, other Tourette treatment options include medication. The symptoms typically improve in their early twenties, though some associated problems may persist. In these cases, long-term treatment is necessary to alleviate the associated problems and manage the disorder. If you think medication is the right treatment option for you, consider discussing it with your healthcare provider. The benefits and risks of this treatment are worth considering. This article highlights some of the treatment options available for children with Tourette syndrome.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of Tourette syndrome is based on a constellation of motor and vocal tics. These behaviors are repetitive, stereotyped, and uncontrollable. Typically, the symptoms involve eye blinking, neck movements, lip-smacking, or protrusion of the tongue. Vocal tics are brief, repeated sounds that have no apparent meaning. A thorough examination of symptoms by a doctor is essential for a diagnosis.
Tics occur in approximately one percent of children. Symptoms may appear at any age, and can vary from mild to severe. Some people experience overwhelming urges to perform their tics, while others are completely unaware of them. Tics may occur less frequently when people are concentrating, or more frequently during times of stress. Physical sensations may also trigger tic symptoms. It's important to seek a proper diagnosis, which includes treatment.
A diagnosis of Tourette syndrome should be made after an in-depth evaluation of symptoms. Certain medications and other psychiatric disorders may mimic symptoms, making it essential to see a doctor to rule out any underlying conditions. In addition to a thorough physical examination, diagnostic tests may be ordered to give a more comprehensive picture of the brain and help identify other possible causes of the symptoms. CT scans of the brain can reveal structural abnormalities that may be causing tic symptoms, such as epilepsy.
A consultant can perform a diagnosis based on the symptoms that the patient has displayed. The diagnosis may also be based on genetics. Men are three to four times more likely to develop Tourette syndrome than women. Other causes include disruption of the chemicals in the brain that transmit nerve impulses. A GP or other health care provider may recommend the diagnosis based on these factors, the presence of tics, and the person's medical history.
Treatment options for people with Tourette syndrome
While mild tics may not require treatment, more severe ones may require medical intervention. The initial course of treatment may involve education about the disorder and support in the community. Eventually, a patient may be prescribed medication or undergo behavioral therapy to control the tics. Treatment options for people with Tourette syndrome will depend on the severity of the disorder and the patient's overall well-being. In severe cases, psychotherapy may be necessary to reduce symptoms.
Although the exact cause of Tourette syndrome is unknown, genetics are thought to play a role. Researchers are currently trying to identify specific genes related to the disorder. They have found family clusters, which lead them to believe genetics are a factor. If your family members have this condition, you may want to consider genetic testing as a treatment option. However, you should not be ashamed to seek professional help. While there are treatments available for Tourette syndrome, you should not ignore the support of your healthcare team and other people affected by this disorder.
As children and teens experience more tics, they may experience low self-esteem and may hesitate to participate in social activities. Having frequent facial tics may also make it harder for teens to fit in. The Tourette Association of America website is a good place to get support from other teens suffering from the disorder and to learn about famous adults with the disorder. Parents often worry about the social consequences of tics more than their children.
In order to avoid side effects, it is advisable to start slowly and gradually increase dosages. It is advisable to make one change at a time, rather than too much, as making too many changes can lead to confusion. Treatments should not be stopped abruptly, though it may be possible to do so with the doctor's guidance. The doctor will decide when to discontinue the medication. However, it is important to keep an accurate record of the amount of medication you are taking.
Leucotomy
Leucotomy is a surgical procedure that involves implanting electrodes in specific brain regions to block the transmission of nerve impulses. The limbic system is responsible for the brain's behavior, emotions, and memory. Leucotomy of the limbic system can partially or completely resolve the symptoms of Tourette syndrome. The surgery uses electrodes implanted in areas of the brain linked to Tourette syndrome. The electrodes pass an electrical pulse from a small generator inside the body. The electrical impulses stimulate various parts of the brain to control symptoms. Although Leucotomy can control the symptoms of Tourette syndrome, its long-term effects are still unknown.
A patient with Gilles de la Tourette syndrome underwent a leucotomy in 2006. This treatment was successful in reducing the patient's compulsions to self-harm and reduced his level of anxiety. Several other clinical trials have also shown that leucotomy is safe and effective in the treatment of this condition. However, it is not for every patient. There are several risks involved.
The tics in the patient with Tourette syndrome are usually intentional and "unvoluntary". They are performed by compulsively in association with an irresistible urge. The tics are often preceded by a mild discomfort. However, when accompanied by an irresistible urge, they are deemed disordered volition. The tics can also be spontaneous and involuntary, or they may occur only during certain times.
A person suffering from Tourette syndrome should not undergo the procedure unless their symptoms are so severe and debilitating that they prevent normal functioning. For this reason, the procedure is not recommended for young children. However, children with this condition must undergo at least one treatment before they can move on with their lives. There are many non-surgical and non-pharmacological options available, including medication and surgery. Patients should also avoid overexcited situations and play enjoyable computer games.
Deep brain stimulation
Although the most effective treatments for Tourette Syndrome include pharmaceuticals and specific psychotherapeutic interventions, a considerable proportion of patients do not respond to these treatments. In fact, patients with severe TS remain severely affected throughout their lives, resulting in significant impairments in their psychosocial functioning and quality of life. While no single treatment has been proven to be effective, a new technology called deep brain stimulation may be the best option for these patients.
DBS involves implanting bilateral electrodes at the site of tic activity. In a trial of eight patients with TS, the treatment was found to improve tic severity and comorbid OCD symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients were assessed before the surgery and six months and twelve months later. The primary outcome measure was the difference in TIC severity between active and sham stimulation. Adverse events were also systematically recorded in all patients.
While DBS has been shown to be effective in treating TS, it is important to note that many patients with TS also suffer from psychiatric conditions. The most common co-occurring disorders are depression, anxiety, and ADHD. Although psychiatric conditions may complicate the effects of DBS, they are important considerations when considering this treatment for TS. DBS for TS has improved the motor tics of patients treated with it.
Although the results of open-label treatment are mixed, recent data show that thalamic or pallidal DBS can reduce symptoms and improve tics severity. The open-label study included one patient with severe TS, but he was excluded from the functional disorder category because of his possible tics. However, the patient was enrolled in the study because he had a primary diagnosis of severe TS.
