Who Gets Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette syndrome is much more common in boys than
in girls, and it always starts before age 18 — usually between the ages of 5
and 9.
Why Do People Get Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette syndrome is a genetic condition, which means it's passed down from a person's
parents. Tourette syndrome is not contagious and you can't catch it from someone who
has it.
No one knows the exact cause of Tourette syndrome, but some research points to
a problem with how nerves communicate in the brain. Neurotransmitters — chemicals
in the brain that carry nerve signals from cell to cell — may play a role.
How Is Tourette Syndrome Diagnosed?
Anyone who has a tic will need to see a doctor, and maybe a neurologist (a doctor
who knows a lot about the nervous system).
All kids who have Tourette syndrome have tics — but a person can have tics
without having Tourette syndrome. Some health conditions and medicine, for instance,
can cause tics. And many kids have tics that disappear on their own in a few months
or a year. So, it's important for doctors to know what's causing the tics.
Since there is no one test for Tourette syndrome, a doctor will get a good family
history and medical history, and look at the person's symptoms. Sometimes a doctor
will order several other tests like blood tests, EEG, and brain scans.
How Is Tourette Syndrome Treated?
There's no cure for Tourette syndrome, but most of the time no treatment is needed.
A kid with Tourette syndrome is able to deal with the tics and still do normal stuff,
like go to school and play with friends. If tics are making it hard to do normal stuff,
a doctor may suggest medicine.
Visiting a psychologist or psychiatrist can be helpful, too. Tourette syndrome
isn't a psychological problem, but a therapist
can teach coping and relaxation skills that can help. They can also help with other
problems that can be connected to Tourette syndrome, like ADHD and anxiety.
Stress or being upset can make the tics worse, and kids with Tourette syndrome
might feel upset because of the tics and the problems that go with them. Counselors
and Tourette syndrome organizations can help kids learn how to explain tics to others.
How Should I Act Around Someone Who Has It?
Kids who have Tourette syndrome want to be treated like everybody else. They can
do regular stuff, just like other kids.
Many kids with Tourette syndrome get better as they get older. But, some people
will always live with Tourette syndrome. The good news is that it won't make them
less intelligent, and adults with Tourette syndrome can lead normal, happy lives.
Date reviewed: October 2016