Tourette's Syndrome

Tourette syndrome is an neurological disorder that typically appears in childhood. The cause of tourette's disorder is genetic in most cases. Tourette Syndrome is believed to be caused by the abnormal metabolism of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. It is genetically transmitted and parents have a 50% chance of passing the gene to their children. It occurs most often in boys. It may run in families. The tics are worse during emotional stress and are absent during sleep. Tourette syndrome symptoms can be experienced as mild, moderate, or severe. The severity is measured by the symptoms' frequency, complexity and the degree to which they cause impairment or disruption of the patient's ongoing activities and daily life. Certain stressful processes during gestation or at the time of birth may increase the chance for a person to develop tourette syndrome.

Tourette syndrome is not contagious. You can't catch it from someone who has it. Other non-genetic factors that may predispose a person to tourette syndrome include: severe psychological trauma, recurrent daily stresses, extreme emotional excitement, drug abuse, and certain co-existing medical or psychiatric conditions. TS affects people of all races and backgrounds, although more guys than girls have the condition. Mild cases of Tourette syndrome are less likely to come to tertiary or clinical attention, raising the possibility of ascertainment bias in referred populations. Most people with TS do not need medication because their symptoms are mild and they can function in society with few problems. Some people, however, do benefit from medication.

Causes of Tourettes syndrome disorder

The common causes and risk factor's of Tourettes syndrome disorder:

An abnormal gene.
Parts of the brain called the basal ganglia.

Symptoms of Tourettes syndrome disorder

Some sign and symptom related to Tourette's Syndrome disorder are as follows:

Uncontrollable vocal sounds.
Eye blinking.
Repeated involuntary movements.
Tics.

Treatment of Tourettes syndrome disorder

There is no cure for tourettes syndrome. Management of tourettes syndrome requires integration of behavioral, psychological and sometimes pharmacologic (medication) therapies.
Occupational therapy may also be indicated for tourettes syndrome patients.
Psychological counseling may help individuals with tourettes syndrome to cope with the social and emotional problems that occur as a result of their symptoms.
In many cases antihypertensive drugs may be used.

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