Tourette’s Syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalisations called tics.
Characteristics of Tourette’s Syndrome
Motor tics:
- Involuntary movements such as blinking, grimacing, shoulder shrugging, or head jerking.
- More complex motor tics might involve hopping, twirling, or touching objects.
Vocal tics:
- Involuntary sounds such as throat clearing, grunting, or coughing.
- More complex vocal tics might include repeating words or phrases, or, in rare cases, uttering inappropriate words or phrases (coprolalia).
Tic variation:
- Tics can change in type, frequency, and severity over time.
- They can be exacerbated by stress, excitement, or fatigue and often decrease during periods of focused activity.
What Causes Tourette’s Syndrome?
The exact cause of Tourette’s Syndrome is unknown, but it is believed to be related to differences in certain brain regions and neurotransmitters. Genetic factors play a significant role, as the condition often runs in families.
Tourette’s Diagnosis Process
How to get diagnosed with Tourette’s
Typically based on the presence of both motor and vocal tics for at least one year, as observed by a healthcare professional. There is no specific test for Tourette’s, so diagnosis is often made by a neurologist or psychiatrist through clinical evaluation.
Coaching for Tourette’s Syndrome
Creased Puddle can help individuals with Tourette’s discuss how the condition impacts their lives and develop strategies for managing external factors that affect the condition.
