Tics are repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations. Tic Disorders are classified into several types. They are the primary symptoms of Tic Disorders, a group of childhood-onset neurological conditions that include Tourette’s Syndrome (TS), Persistent (Chronic) Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder, and Provisional Tic Disorder. Tic Disorders are classified based on the type of tics present (motor, vocal/phonic, or both) and the length of time of the tics.
Tourette's syndrome has been linked to several brain areas, including the basal ganglia, which aids in the control of body movements. Differences in these areas may have an impact on nerve cells and the chemicals that transport messages between them. Researchers believe that Tourette's is caused by problems in this brain network. Doctors aren't sure what causes these brain problems, but genes are likely to play a role. There is most likely more than one cause. People who have Tourette's syndrome in their family are more likely to develop it themselves. However, members of the same family may exhibit disparate symptoms.
Tics, or sudden, brief, intermittent movements or sounds, are a defining feature of Tourette syndrome. Tics can range from mild to severe. Severe symptoms can have a significant impact on communication, daily functioning, and quality of life.
Tics are classified as follows:
- Tics are simple movements. These tics are sudden, brief, and repetitive, and they involve only a few muscle groups.
- Complicated tics. Several muscle groups are involved in these distinct, coordinated patterns of movement.
- Tics can also involve movement (motor tics) or sound (auditory tics) (vocal tics). Motor tics typically appear before vocal tics. However, the range of tics that people experience is wide.
Tics are frequently mild and do not require treatment. If they become a problem, your doctor may prescribe medication to alleviate their symptoms It may take some time to find the proper medication for controlling tics while wanting to avoid side effects, so be patient as you and your doctor work through it. Among the medications available are:
- To control tics, medications such as haloperidol (Haldol), fluphenazine (Prolixin), and pimozide (Orap) act on a brain chemical called dopamine.
- Clonidine (Catapres) and guanfacine (Tenex, Intuniv) are both blood pressure medications that can also be used to treat tics.
- Antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and others can alleviate anxiety, sadness, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
- You might want to think about talking therapy in addition to medicine. A psychologist or counselor can assist you in learning how to deal with the social problems that your tics and other symptoms may cause.
If you notice your child making involuntary movements or sounds, take them to their pediatrician. Tics do not always indicate Tourette syndrome. Tics are common in children and usually go away on their own after a few weeks or months. However, whenever a child exhibits unusual behavior, it is critical to determine the cause and rule out serious health issues.
NO I Zamubec Alomar C. Adlawan, RND
References:
- What is Tourette
https://tourette.org/about-tourette/overview/what-is-tourette/
- Symptoms
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tourette-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20350465#:~:text=Tics%20%E2%80%94%20sudden%2C%20brief,experience%20is%20diverse.
- Treatment/ Therapy
