by Maggie O'Cala

Created on: October 02, 2010

Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes people to have involuntary tics or movements. These can include rapid eye blinking, shrugging of shoulders, smelling items, jerking the head, flexing fingers repeatedly and any other abnormal type of movement that is not situation appropriate. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. Stress, anxiety and other emotional upset can worsen the severity and frequency of the tics.

Tourettes usually appears between the ages of 7 and 10. Boys are three or four times more prone to develop this syndrome than girls. Pinpointing an exact cause for Tourette syndrome has proven impossible. Some think genetics are a source and others believe that it has something to do with chemical imbalances in the brain. Regardless of the cause there is no cure, though some children outgrow it as they age.

Symptoms are broken up into two categories. Simple tics and complex tics. These are divided by Motor tics (which require movement of the body) and vocall tics (which are verbal outbursts).

Simple motor tics may include rapidly blinking the eyes, shrugging the shoulder, tossing the head from side to side, flexing fingers and sticking out his or her tongue.

Complex motor tics often include hopping around, rubbing the nose excessively, the overwhelming desire to smell objects, and sometimes obscene hand gestures.

Simple vocal tics could be hiccuping, shouting, repeated clearing of the throat and barking.

Complex vocal generally causes the person to repeat phrases they have said a number of times, they might mimic others by repeating what someone else has just said, shouting profanities, and using different tones of voice.

Tourette syndrome does not keep the person from having a long, active and healthy life. There are no serious medical conditions which are linked to Tourettes. Due to the nature of it you may have some learning disabilities, obsessive compulsive behaviors, anxiety issues and insomnia. All of which can be treated through therapy or with the use of proper medication.

There is not a specific test used to determine if someone has Tourettes. Diagnosis is made by learning the history of symptoms the individual has shown, the presence of motor or verbal tics and the length of time they have manifested themselves. Upon reaching a diagnosis of Tourette's  the doctor may then prescribe medicine or medicines that will treat the individual symptoms. With no cure for this disorder the only proactive option available is to focus on the symptoms and attempt to find the correct medicine or therapy to help bring them under control.

Learn more about this author, Maggie O'Cala.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.