Tourette Syndrome: Causes Involuntary Tics

Imagine making unusual or amusing facial expressions that you can’t control. It’s not intentional or meant to be funny; it’s simply unavoidable. This condition is known as Tourette syndrome. The best way to support someone with Tourette syndrome is by offering understanding and assistance.

Tourette Syndrome - condition causing motor tics and vocal tics

Tourette Syndrome – condition causing motor tics and vocal tics

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette syndrome is a condition characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements, such as blinking or throat clearing, known as tics. The initial signs typically appear between the ages of 5 and 10, often beginning with tics in the head and neck area. Over time, these tics can also affect the muscles in the torso, arms, and legs.

What are the causes of Tourette Syndrome?

The exact cause remains unknown, but several factors likely contribute to its development:

  • Genetic Factors: TS often runs in families, suggesting that multiple genes may play a role in its onset.
  • Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Irregularities in neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, which help transmit signals between nerve cells, can contribute to the development of tics.
  • Environmental Factors: Factors such as prenatal stress, infections, or exposure to toxins might increase the risk of developing TS.
  • Immune System Dysfunction: An autoimmune response might mistakenly attack healthy cells, leading to tics.

Why is it called Tourette Syndrome?

In 1884,  Jean-Martin Charcot, a French physician assigned his student, Georges Gilles de la Tourette, to study patients with severe disorders at a hospital. The following year, in 1885, Tourette published a case study of a young woman displaying both motor and vocal tics. He identified the disorder and its characteristic symptoms, which included these tics, and thus the condition became associated with his name.

What is the cure for Tourette Syndrome?

There is no specific cure for it. A primary care provider, pediatrician, or mental health specialist typically diagnoses common tics.Medications can help reduce the symptoms associated with the condition. Parental and peer support is crucial in providing care and affection for individuals with Tourette syndrome. Since tics are habitual, various strategies can help modify these behaviors. We can use awareness training and competing response training techniques to reduce the frequency and severity of tics

Does Billie Eilish’s Experience with Tourette Syndrome Challenge Stigma and Raise Awareness?

Billie Eilish

Billie Eilish

In a 2022 interview with David Letterman, Billie Eilish, the American singer and songwriter, exhibited some of her tics. She revealed that she has had Tourette syndrome since she was eleven. Eilish expressed her frustration with how people sometimes laugh at her tics, mistaking them for intentional humor. When she explained the condition, many began to understand. She emphasized that such discrimination against tics needs to be addressed.Eilish has been open about her condition and actively works to raise awareness, encouraging others to overcome stigma and embrace their experiences with courage.

Conclusion

Conditions like Tourette Syndrome might not always seem significant to everyone, but they can profoundly impact those diagnosed. Individuals with TS often face discrimination due to their tics and may experience an increase in symptoms when dealing with depression or anxiety. As a society, it is essential to shield them from negative judgments and support them in expressing themselves authentically. Awareness campaigns in schools can help educate children about TS fostering understanding and empathy. With ongoing support and education, individuals with it can build confidence and achieve success.

Reference

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/tourette-syndrome#:~:text=Tourette%20syndrome%20(TS)%20is%20a,nervous%20system%20called%20tic%20disorders.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourette_syndrome

Written by Bhavya S

×

Enter Your Institute & Institute Address to get more benefits