Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder that is characterized by tics – which are involuntary, rapid and sudden movement and vocalizations that occur very frequently in the same way. Individuals that suffer from the condition are usually unaware of the instances in which they either scream or make these actions. Because of the fact that the condition causes the tics or vocalizations to be rather prominent, the condition can not only be the source of a significant amount of inconvenience but also social embarrassment. It is essential to understand that almost everyone has suffered from the temporary onset of tics, but people suffering from Tourette’s syndrome will experience them at a very severe level and probably for the rest of their lives. Moreover, Tourette’s syndrome encapsulates both visual tics as well as vocalizations. In cases where the individual suffers from only either one of the symptoms, it is not Tourette’s syndrome. The primary cause of the condition is said to be a disturbance in the balance in neurotransmitters, which are chemicals in the brain that carry the nerve signals from one cell to another.
Some of the more common tics that occur when affected by Tourette’s syndrome include eye blinking, foot stomping, making clicking sounds and head jerking. Vocalizations include repeated sniffing, yelping, shouting or even throat clearing. It is also possible for the tic to be of a significantly self harming nature such as head banging. Certain factors, such as stress, may contribute to aggravating the frequency as well as aggressiveness of the tick. Individuals that suffer from Tourette’s syndrome are also likely to suffer from some other complications such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which makes them very inattentive in class or even obsessive compulsive disorder.
Treatment For Tourettes Syndrome
Unfortunately, there is no cure for the condition; however, there are a few initial treatment options that could help reduce the severity of the symptoms. In most cases some sort of medication is essential to help keep the condition under control while cases where the symptoms and tics are of a milder nature, medication may not be required. There are also a few lifestyle adjustments that may prove very useful in controlling the condition. For example, studies have shown that the intensity of tics seemingly reduce when the patient is engrossed in some kind of activity. Getting the individual to partake in some kind of sport or hobby may prove to be very beneficial. Some individuals that suffer from condition like TS also have an increased level of creativity. One of the most eminent examples of this would be the legendary music composer – Mozart, who also suffered from TS.