When Your Child Has Tourette Syndrome
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a nervous system disorder. It's also called Tourette disorder. The syndrome causes repeated tics. Tics are sudden, uncontrolled vocal sounds or muscle jerks. Symptoms of TS often start between ages 5 and 10. They usually start with mild, simple tics of the face, head, or arms. Over time, a child may have different kinds of tics that may happen more often. They may also involve more parts of the body, such as the torso or legs. And they may be more disruptive to daily life.
How to say it
ter-REHT
SIHN-drohm
What causes TS?
TS affects more boys than girls. Your health care provider may advise genetic counseling for any future pregnancy.
A specific gene has not been identified in most cases. Possible causes in these cases may be:
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Problems during pregnancy.
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Low birth weight.
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Head injury.
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Carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis).
Symptoms of TS
The most common symptoms are uncontrolled muscle movements. They may occur in the face, neck, shoulders, torso, or hands. Examples include:
Complex tics include:
TS also includes 1 or more vocal tics, such as:
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Grunting or moaning sounds.
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Barking.
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Tongue clicking.
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Sniffing.
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Hooting.
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Saying rude things.
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Throat clearing, snorting, or coughing.
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Squeaking noises.
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Hissing.
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Spitting.
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Whistling.
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Gurgling.
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Echoing sounds or phrases repeatedly.
Tic behaviors change over time. They also vary in how often they occur.
TS can occur differently in boys and girls. Boys tend to have long-term (chronic) tics. Girls are more likely to have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This is an anxiety disorder. With OCD, a child has a repeated thought, fear, or worry (obsession). They try to manage it through a behavior to reduce the anxiety.
Diagnosing TS
TS is usually diagnosed around the age of 7. The provider will ask about:
The provider will also:
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Watch your child's behavior.
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Ask for a history of your child's behavior from teachers.
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Assess your child’s psychological, social, and educational status.
Treatment for TS
Treatment depends on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It also depends on how bad the condition is. Some children may not need treatment. A child with TS can usually do well at home and in a regular classroom.
Your child may need treatment if:
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Tics cause problems with daily function or school.
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Your child has a problem, such as OCD or ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder).
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Your child has another emotional or learning problem.
Treatment can include:
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Special classes, to help with problems in school.
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Psychotherapy, to help with emotional stress.
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Medicine, if they have related conditions. These include ADHD, OCD, or a mood disorder.
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Comprehensive behavioral intervention. This helps your child deal with tics and reduce them.
Talk with your child’s providers about the risks, benefits, and possible side effects of all medicines.
Possible complications of TS
Many children who have TS also have attention problems. Some have trouble in school. But most have normal intelligence and don’t have a learning disability.
Children with TS often have:
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Behavior problems.
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Mood changes.
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Social challenges.
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Trouble sleeping.
Helping your child live with TS
Your child may need support and help with:
Talk with your child’s provider about the best ways to support your child.
When to contact your child's doctor
Contact the provider if: