Pronounced: tuh-RET SIN-drohm
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a chronic, neurological disorder that is a member of a larger group of primary tic disorders. It is characterized by motor and vocal tics. Both motor and vocal tics must be present, though not necessarily at the same time. Tics must be present for more than one year, and its onset must be prior to age 18. Tics are rapid, involuntary movements or sounds that occur repeatedly.
In most cases, TS is inherited through a gene (or genes). However, some patients may have milder tic disorders or obsessive-compulsive symptoms with no tics. Sometimes there are no symptoms.
Some people with TS have no known family history of TS, tics, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Researchers are studying whether other factors, such as birth-related issues and autoimmune problems, may contribute to TS.
TS is one of the conditions grouped under the category Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal (or PANDAS). Studies suggests that, in some children, PANDAS are associated with Group A streptococcal or strep throat .
Researchers are studying whether the risk of PANDAS can be decreased by rapid treatment or prevention of strep infections. Also, studies need to be done to find out if some children are at a higher risk because of their genetic make-up. Overall, strep infection is common. So, if PANDAS are caused by the infection, then it's likely to occur only rarely.
Other than this possible connection, the cause of tics is unknown. However, studies show that several brain chemicals, called neurotransmitters, are involved. Dopamine and serotonin are most likely involved. In addition, stress and tension often increase tics.
Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
There are many secondary causes of tics including:
Symptoms range from mild to severe, but most cases are mild. They can occur suddenly, and the length of time they last can vary. Tics may temporarily decrease with concentration or distraction. During times of stress, they may occur more often.
Tics are divided into motor and vocal, and then subdivided into simple and complex. The following are common examples:
Many people with TS also have one or more of the following problems:
While tics may occur throughout life, older teens may find that symptoms improve. In less than 10%-40% of cases, people have remission from symptoms.
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. TS is diagnosed by observing the symptoms and reviewing when they began and how they progressed. There are no blood or neurological tests to diagnose TS. Some doctors may order an MRI scan , CT scan , EEG , or blood tests to rule out other disorders.
Most people with TS do not need medical treatment.
If you have a tic that disrupts daily activities, there are treatments. The most common is medication.
No single treatment is helpful for all people with TS. Treatment may not completely eliminate symptoms.
RESOURCES:
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
Tourette Syndrome Association
http://www.tsa-usa.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
About Kids Health
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/
Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada
http://www.tourette.ca/
References:
Bruun RD, Cohen DJ, Leckman JF. Guide to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Tourette Syndrome . Bayside, NY: Tourette Syndrome Association; 1984.
Jankovic, J. Tourette Syndrome. In: Gilman S, ed. MedLink Neurology. San Diego, CA: MedLink Corporation.
Mell LK, Davis RL, Owens D. Association between streptococcal infection and obsessive-compulsive disorder, Tourette's syndrome, and tic disorder. Pediatrics . 2005;116:56-60.
Menkes JH. Textbook of Child Neurology . 3rd ed. Baltimore, MD: Lea and Febiger; 1985.
NINDS tourette syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tourette/tourette.htm . Updated July 2008. Accessed February 13, 2009.
Samuels MA, Feske KF. Office Practice of Neurology . Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone; 2003.
Tourette syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated February 2009. Accessed February 13, 2009.
Tourette Syndrome Association website. Available at: http://www.tsa-usa.org .
Last reviewed January 2009 by Rimas Lukas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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