Tourette's Syndrome Essay

Tourette’s Syndrome

Tourette’s syndrome is an inherited neurological disorder with no known cause. Therefore, it may be difficult to diagnose and in some cases, may never be diagnosed. Evidence has linked the defects of the body’s metabolism of the neurotransmitters including epinephrine, dopamine, and norepinephrine. While this disorder can affect many different ethnic groups and genders, studies have indicated that males are three to four times more likely to develop Tourette’s than females. The development of this chronic condition starts in childhood between the ages of two and twelve. These Characteristics are involuntary movements and vocalization also known as tics. While there is no testing to diagnoses Tourette’s, blood and imaging test can be performed to rule out other conditions. However, tics lasting a year or more can imply this condition. Also, these individuals may show signs and symptoms of Attention Defect Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
While there is no typical case, the classic sign of Tourette’s is tics. These are characterized by a sudden, brief, intermittent movements or sounds. Tics are often identified or classified into two different sub groups; simple and complex. Simple motor tics involve small or limited muscle groups that are brief, sudden, and repetitive. The most common of this group is repetitive eye movement or blinking, nose or facial twitching, and shoulder shrugging. The simple vocal tics include barking, sniffing, throat clearing or snorting. On the contrast, Complex motor tics are more distinct, and involve several muscle groups. The most frequent complex tic is head jerking combined with shoulder shrugging, hopping, bending, or twisting. Also, self harm is a more severe characteristic of this group. Complex vocal tics are actual words or phrases which include echolalia, repeating words of other people, or coprolalia, the use of inappropriate words, such as swearing. In some cases, performing a specific action a set number of times may act as an alleviating factor to the symptoms of tics. This behavior coincides with signs and symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. While Tics are life long, and worst in the adolescent years, symptoms subside through adulthood. Tics can only be controlled for a short period of time which can result in a buildup of tension. In addition, there are aggravating factors that trigger the symptoms such as physical activities or stressful situations. Furthermore, a calm environment reduces the occurrence of tics. Treating Tourette is symptomatic, ultimately depending on the severity of the tics a person may experience. Tics that do not interfere with the course of life or cause major impairment do not need pharmacological interventions. On the other hand, more severe cases that cause an inability to function are commonly prescribed medication. While there are no single medications that treat or eliminate the symptoms, there are several medications that decrease the severity and aid in one’s behavior. Commonly, neuroleptics are prescribed to suppress the tics, such as Orap (pimozide) that block the dopamine receptors. In addition, Haldol and Ritalin can be used in conjunctive therapy to control one’s behavior. Also, guanfacine or clonidine, antihypertensive medications may be given to decrease the motor tics. Generally, tics may cause muscle spasms that can be very discomforting, so occasionally Tylenol or other pain relievers may be suggested. It is very important to monitor the patient for any side effects of these medications to make sure the benefits outweigh the risks. For example, neuroleptics can cause serious irreversible side effects such as Tardive Dyskinesia,

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