Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects the brain and nerves, where this condition causes a person to make sudden movements (motor) or produce sounds (vocal) unexpectedly. These movements or sounds occur repeatedly, involuntarily, and uncontrollably, commonly known as "tics".

Tic disorders actually come in various types, but Tourette syndrome is the most severe type. This condition is often found in children, especially between the ages of 5 and 10, and generally affects the head and neck areas. Tic symptoms usually decrease and become more manageable as age progresses, but in some cases, they may worsen.

Classification

Tics in Tourette syndrome are divided into 2 types: simple and complex. While the symptoms range from mild to severe. However, the majority of cases that occur have mild symptoms. Here's a more detailed explanation:

1. Simple Tics

Sudden, brief, and repetitive movements in several muscle groups. Simple tics generally occur before complex tics. Examples of simple motor tics include blinking, facial grimacing, shoulder shrugging, head or body jerking, and jaw movements. Examples of simple vocal tics include throat clearing, sniffing, barking, or grunting.

2. Complex Tics

Coordinated and distinct movements involving several muscle groups in various body areas. It's like combining several simple tic movements, such as grimacing while simultaneously turning the head and lifting the shoulder. Other examples of complex motor tics include sniffing or touching objects, jumping, bending, or twisting.

Examples of complex vocal tics include repeating one's own or someone else's words or phrases, uttering vulgar, obscene, or curse words. In severe cases, tics may cause self-injury or harm to others with profanity.

Causes

The exact cause of Tourette syndrome is unknown, but it tends to run in families, so one of the risk factors is genetic. Additionally, issues in the brain related to neurotransmitter metabolism can also contribute to its occurrence. Other risk factors for the development of Tourette syndrome include:

• Gender: 3 to 4 times more likely to occur in males
• Maternal health during pregnancy: smoking habits or experiencing pregnancy complications
• Birth: low birth weight (LBW)

Certain genes cause Tourette syndrome to be hereditary

Tic Triggers

Tics can worsen when a person is excited or anxious and improve when someone is calm and focused. Additionally, tics can also be triggered by other factors, including tight collars or hearing someone else clearing their throat. These symptoms will completely disappear when a person is sound asleep.

Although the symptoms occur unintentionally and involuntarily, some people can suppress and manage their tics to minimize their impact on bodily functions. However, sometimes it can make them feel more pressured to the point where they feel the tics must be expressed.

There are several common conditions that often occur alongside TS, including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
• Depression
• Learning disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)

Tourette syndrome can occur alongside ADHD

Diagnosis

There is no specific test to diagnose Tourette syndrome. Healthcare providers usually assess symptoms, when they started, how long they have lasted, and family history. Diagnosis can be made when a person experiences motor and vocal tic symptoms before the age of 18 and has experienced them for at least one year.

Treatment

Mild tics usually do not require treatment as they do not affect daily activities. However, if they become severe, a person will have difficulty functioning at work, school, or in social environments. Treatment is generally necessary when this condition causes self-injury.

1. Medications

Neuroleptics (medications that limit dopamine activity in the brain), antidepressants, stimulants, and alpha-adrenergic agonists.

2. Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)

Assists a person in responding to tics with new actions, identifying when tics will occur, and reducing tic triggers.

So, Tourette syndrome is one of the neurological conditions. This condition causes a person to make an unintended, uncontrollable, and unwanted movement or sound. Symptoms appear during childhood and mostly improve in adulthood with variations in the severity of tics from mild to severe.

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