Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome: Recently, Tourette Syndrome has come into focus as health experts highlight its impact on children and the need for early support.

• About Tourette Syndrome: A neurological condition that leads to involuntary, repetitive movements or sounds called tics.

o It generally appears between the ages of 2 & 15, with most cases beginning around age 6.

o The condition affects about 0.3% to 1% of people globally and is more common in boys than in girls.

• Types of Tics:

o Simple Motor Tics: Quick, repeated movements like eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, or head jerks.

o Simple Vocal Tics: Sounds such as throat-clearing, grunting, or sniffing.

o Complex Motor Tics: Involve more deliberate actions like jumping, touching objects, or body twisting.

o Complex Vocal Tics: May include repeating words (echolalia) or, rarely, inappropriate language (coprolalia).

• Tics often increase with stress, excitement, or anxiety, but tend to ease when the person is calm or asleep.
• Treatment : There's no permanent cure yet, but treatments can reduce symptoms.

o Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has shown positive results in managing tics and associated anxiety.