Tourette’s syndrome is a problem with the nervous system that causes people to make sudden movements or sounds, called tics, that they can’t control. For example, someone with Tourette’s might blink or clear their throat over and over again. Some people may blurt out words they don’t intend to say. There are over 865 livebirths in Nigerian with Tourette Syndrome, Hospital’s with Treatments can control tics, but some people don’t need any unless their symptoms really bother them.
- Causes
Tourette’s has been linked to different parts of the brain, including an area called the basal ganglia, which helps control body movements. Differences there may affect nerve cells and the chemicals that carry messages between them. Researchers think the trouble in this brain network may play a role in Tourette’s.
Doctors don’t know exactly what causes these problems in the brain, but genes probably play a role. It’s likely that there is more than one cause.
People who have family members with Tourette’s are more likely to get it themselves. But people in the same family may have different symptoms.
- Symptoms
The main symptom is tics. Some are so mild they’re not even noticeable. Others happen often and are obvious. Stress, excitement, or being sick or tired can make them worse. The more severe ones can be embarrassing and can affect your social life or work.
There are two types of tics: Motors tics and Vocal tics
Motor tics involve movement mostly:
Arm or head jerking
Blinking
Making a face
Mouth twitching
Shoulder shrugging
- Vocal tics include:
Sniffing
Clearing your throat
Coughing
Grunting
Repeating what someone else says
- Treatment
Many times, tics are mild and don’t need to be treated. If they become a problem, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help them. It can take a while to find the right dose that helps control tics but avoids side effects, so be patient as you and your doctor work through it.
- Taking Care of Yourself
Often the hardest part of living with Tourette’s is dealing with the embarrassment or frustration of having tics you can’t control. While you’re getting help from your doctor, you can do a few other things to feel better:
Get support: Your family, friends, health care team, or a support group can help you meet the challenges of Tourette’s.
Stay active: Play sports, paint, or volunteer. These activities will take your mind off your symptoms.
Relax: Read a book, listen to music, meditate, or do yoga. Low-key activities you enjoy can combat the stress that can lead to tics.
Educate yourself: Learn everything you can about your condition so you’ll know what to do when you have symptoms. If your child has Tourette’s, talk to his school about it. You can give staff the facts about the condition and see what kind of support they can give him, like extra tutoring or smaller classes.
Fitting in socially also can be hard for a child with the disease. Help him practice ways to handle teasing or comments from other kids.
