Mon - Fri: 8:00AM - 5:00PM
Monday – Friday8:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday Open for MRI
Sunday Closed
Migraine treatment same day as your first appointment.
or
Visit our Healow Portal
Visit our Healow Portal Call 214-619-1910
CALL 214-619-1910

Tourette Syndrome: What to Know?

Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju
Sandeep Dhanyamraju MD
Medically reviewed by Sandeep Dhanyamraju

Do you know what Tourette Syndrome is? Many people don’t, and that’s okay. This article will aim to educate those curious about Tourette Syndrome and dispel some of its associated myths.  

As for definition, Tourette’s syndrome is a condition that causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements called tics.

Although Tourette’s syndrome is a rather complicated disease, living with it can proceed in a normal way. There are treatments and support available to help manage the symptoms. If you or your child is experiencing any symptoms of Tourettes, it is vital to seek professional help. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in managing the condition.

Stay with us to learn all the disease details, key features, and treatment options.

 

What Causes Tourettes?

The exact cause of Tourette syndrome is currently unknown. However, research suggests that genetic and environmental factors may cause the condition.

It is believed that Tourettes is caused by a malfunction in some regions of the brain, specifically the parts that control movement and behavior. This malfunction is thought to result from a problem with the neurotransmitter dopamine.

Dopamine is a chemical messenger that helps to regulate movement and behavior. Too much or too little dopamine in the brain can lead to problems with movement and behavior, such as those seen in Tourette’s tics.

There may also be a genetic component to Tourettes. This means that it can run in families. If you have Tourettes, there is a higher chance that other family members will also have the condition.

And the last thing that causes Tourettes is environmental factors, such as exposure to certain toxins or viruses, which may also play a role in the development of Tourettes. However, more research is needed to confirm this.

 

Symptoms of Tourette Syndrome

The symptoms of Tourettes can vary significantly from person to person. They can range from mild to severe and can change over time.

The most common symptom is Tourette’s tics. Tics are involuntary movements or vocalizations that occur repeatedly. 

Symptoms of tourette syndrome

Tics can be simple or complex:

  • Simple tics are sudden, brief, repetitive movements that involve a limited number of muscle groups. Examples of simple tics include eye blinking and nose twitching. 
  • Complex tics are coordinated patterns of more than one movement involving several muscle groups. Complex tics may include facial grimacing combined with a head twist and a shoulder shrug.

Tics often first appear in childhood between 5 and 10 years old. They tend to peak during adolescence and then decline in adulthood. However, some people with Tourettes continue to experience tics into adulthood.

 

Other symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome can include:

  • Obsessive-compulsive behaviors, such as repetitive hand-washing or counting.
  • Involuntary swearing or blurting out offensive words (coprolalia).
  • Anxiety or depression.
  • Problems with sleep.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

 

What Are the Complications?

Tics can sometimes lead to other psychological problems, such as anxiety or depression. It can also lead to self-harm or suicide in severe cases.

If you or your child exhibits any of these symptoms, it is critical that you seek professional assistance. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly affect how the condition is managed.

 

Treatment

There is no cure for nervous tics, but some treatments can help with symptom management.

Medication is the most commonly used treatment. Tics and other symptoms can be reduced with medications such as antipsychotics or beta-blockers. They may, however, have side effects such as drowsiness or weight gain.

 

Other treatments for Tourette’s nervous tics include:

  • Counseling or psychotherapy: Which can help to deal with the psychological effects of Tourettes, such as anxiety or depression.
  • Behavioral therapy: This can help to teach people with Tourettes how to manage their tics.
  • Deep brain stimulation: This surgical treatment involves the implantation of a device that sends electrical impulses to the parts of the brain that control movement. It can effectively reduce tics, but it is not suitable for everyone.

 

Living With Tourettes

Living with tourettes

Tourettes can be challenging, but there are ways to make it easier. Here are some tips:

  • Acceptance: It is essential to accept that you have Tourettes and that there is no cure. This can help to make a living with the condition more bearable.
  • Educate yourself: Learning as much as possible about Tourettes can help ease your anxiety and make dealing with the condition more manageable.
  • Find a support group: Many online and offline support groups exist for people with Tourettes. This can be a great way to meet other people who understand what you are going through.
  • Talk to your doctor: If you are struggling to cope with Tourettes, talk to your doctor. They can offer advice and referrals to other services that can help.

Tourettes is a condition that can be challenging to live with, but treatments and support are available to help manage the symptoms. If you or your child is experiencing any symptoms of Tourettes, it is essential to seek professional help. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in managing the condition.

 

Bottom Line 

Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary tics and movements. The symptoms can vary significantly from person to person, and there is no cure for the condition. However, some treatments can help to manage the symptoms. If you or your child is experiencing any symptoms of Tourettes, it is crucial to seek professional help. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in managing the condition. 

You can consider our clinic and use a contact button to get professional treatment and diagnosis. You just need to click on it, fulfill the necessary information and wait for feedback.

 

FAQs

  • Can you develop Tourette syndrome?

Tourette’s syndrome is one of several tic disorders that can cause either transient or chronic tics. Tics can appear at any age. It does, however, most frequently appear between 6 and 18 years. Tics usually become less severe during adolescence and early adulthood.

  • Why do people get tics syndrome?

Changes in the brain’s parts that control movement are thought to be the cause. They can run in families, and many cases have a genetic cause. They are also frequently associated with other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

  • Who is most likely to get Tourette syndrome?

The boys were roughly three times more likely than the girls to have Tourette’s nervous tics.

  • Does anxiety cause Tourette’s?

In some cases, concentration issues and repetitive behaviors are caused by social anxiety, separation anxiety, or generalized anxiety.

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...
Be the first to write a review
Lone Star Neurology
4.5
Based on 905 reviews
powered by Google
Edward Medina
Edward Medina
15:34 30 Jun 22
Just such an amazing staff that makes you feel like part of their family. I’ve been going there for over 5 years now... and each visit I get the very best care and treatments that I have ever received in the 20+ years that I’ve been dealing with severe debilitating migraines. Since i started seeing them the number of my migraines has dropped from 15-20 a month to 2-3 every 3 month. I highly recommend them …they will change your life!read more
Daneisha Johnson
Daneisha Johnson
22:20 19 May 22
Dr. Askari was very kind and explained everything so I could understand. The other staff were nice as well. I would... have gave 5 stars but I was a little taken aback when I checked in and had to pay 600.00 upfront. I think that should have been discussed in a appointment confirmation call or email just so I could have been prepared.read more
Jean Cooper
Jean Cooper
16:54 29 Apr 22
I love the office staff they are friendly and very helpful. Dr. JODIE is very caring and understanding to your needs... and wants to help you. I will go back. would recommend Dr. Dr. Jodie to other Patients in a heart beat. The team works well together.read more
Linda M
Linda M
19:40 02 Apr 22
I was obviously stressed, needing to see a neurologist. The staff was so patient and Dr. Ansari was so kind. At one... point he told me to relax, we have time, when I was relaying my history of my condition. That helped ease my stress. I have seen 3 other neurologists and he was the only one who performed any assessment tests on my cognitive and physical skills. At one point I couldn't complete two assessments and got upset and cried. I was told, it's OK. That's why you're here. I was truly impressed, and super pleased with the whole experience!read more
Leslie Durham
Leslie Durham
15:05 01 Apr 22
I've been coming here for about 5 years. The staff are ALWAYS friendly and knowledgeable. The Doctors are the absolute... best!! Jodie Moore is always in such a great mood which is a plus when you are already stressed. Highly recommendedread more
Monica Del Bosque
Monica Del Bosque
14:13 25 Mar 22
Since my first post my thoughts have changed here. It's unfortunate. My doctor and PA were great, but the office staff... is horrible. They never call you back when they say they will, they misinform you, they cause you too much stress wondering what's going on, they don't keep you posted. They never answer the phone. At this point I've left four messages in the last week, and I have sent three messages. Twice from their portal and one direct email. No response. My appointment is on Monday morning at 8:30am, no confirmation on my insurance and what's going on. What the heck is going on, this is ridiculous!I've given up... the stress her office staff has put me through is just not worth it. You can do so much better, please clean house, either change out your office staff, or find a way for them to be more efficient please. You have to do something. This is not how you want to run your practice. It leaves a very bad impression on your business.read more
Ron Buckholz
Ron Buckholz
23:32 23 Mar 22
I was actually pleasantly surprised with this visit! It took me a long time to get the appointment scheduled because no... one answers your phones EVER! After a month, I finally got in, and your staff was warm, friendly, and I was totally impressed! I feel like you will take care of my needs!read more
Steve Nabavi
Steve Nabavi
16:28 16 Mar 22
It was a nice visit. Happy staff doing all they can do to comfort the patients in a very calming environment. You ask... me they are earned a big gold star on the fridge. My only complaint they didn't give me any cookies.read more
Katie Lewis
Katie Lewis
16:10 10 Feb 22
Had very positive appointments with Jodie and Dr. Sheth for my migraine care. Jodie was so fast with the injections and... has so much valuable info. I started to feel light headed during checkout and the staff was SO helpful—giving me a chair, water, and taking me into a private room until I felt better. Highly recommend this practice for migraine patients, they know what they’re doing!!read more
Joshua Martinez
Joshua Martinez
16:02 10 Dec 21
I was scheduled to be checked and just want to say that the staff was fantastic. They were kind and helpful. I was... asked many questions related to what was going on and not once did I feel as though I was being brushed off. The front desk staff was especially great in assisting me. I'm scheduled to go back for a mri and am glad that I'll be going there.read more
Isabel Ivy
Isabel Ivy
21:42 03 Nov 21
I had such a good experience with Lone Star Neurology, Brent my MRI Tech was so awesome and made sure I was very... comfortable during the appointment. He gave me ear plugs, a pillow, leg support and blanket, easiest MRI ever lol 🤣 My 72 hour EEG nurse Amanda was also so awesome. She made sure I was take care of over the 3 days and took her time with the electrodes to make sure it was comfortable for me! Paige was also a huge help in answering all my questions when it came to my test results, and letting me know her honest opinions about how I should go forth with my treatment.read more
Leslie Luce
Leslie Luce
17:37 20 Oct 21
The professionalism and want to help attitude of this office was present from the moment I contacted them. The follow... up and follow through as well as their willingness to find a way to schedule my dad was above and beyond. We visited two offices in the same day with the same experience. I am appreciative of this—we spend a lot of time with doctors and this was top notch start to finish.read more
robert Parker
robert Parker
16:38 16 Apr 21
I love going to this office. The staff is friendly and helpful. The doctor is great. I am getting the best... neurological tests and treatment I have ever had. The only reason I did not give them a 5 star rating is because it is impossible to reach a live person at the office to reschedule appointments. Every time I have tried to get through to the office it says all people are busy and I am sent to a voicemail. If they could get their phone answering fixed, I would give them a strong 5 stars.read more
MaryAnn Hornbaker
MaryAnn Hornbaker
00:26 25 Feb 21
Dr. Harney is an excellent Dr. I found him friendly , personable and thorough. I evidently am an unusual case. ... Therefore he spent a Hugh amount of time educating me. He even gave me literature to further explain my condition and how to follow up. This is something you rarely get from your doctors. So I am more than please with my doctor and his staff.read more
Roger Arguello
Roger Arguello
03:05 29 Jan 21
Always courteous, professional. The staff is very friendly and always work with you to find the best appointment time.... The care team has been great. Always taking the time to listen to your concerns and to find the best treatment.read more
Margaret Rowland
Margaret Rowland
01:12 27 Jan 21
I have been a patient at Lone Star Neurology for several years. Now both my adult daughters also are patients there. I... love Jodie. She is always so prompt whether it is a teleamed call are a visit in the office. She takes the time to explain everything to me and answers all my questions. I am so blessed to have Jodie as my doctor.read more
Susan Miller
Susan Miller
03:01 13 Jan 21
My husband had an accident 5 years ago and Lone Star Neurology has been such a blessing to us with my husbands care.... Jodie Moore is his provider and she is amazing! Jodie is very knowledgeable, caring, and thorough. She takes her time with you, making sure your needs are met and she is happy to answer any questions you may have. Lone Star Neurology’s patients are very lucky to have Jodie providing their care. Thank you Lone Star Neurology and especially Jodie for everything you have done for us. Jodie, you are the best!read more
Windalyn C
Windalyn C
01:32 09 Jan 21
Jodie is wonderful. She is very caring and knowledgeable. I have been to over a dozen neurologists, and none were able... to help me as much as they have here. Thanks!read more
Katie Kordel
Katie Kordel
00:40 09 Jan 21
Jodi Moore, nurse practitioner, is amazing. I have suffered from frequent, debilitating headaches for almost 20 years.... She has provided the best proactive and responsive care I have ever received. My quality of life has been greatly improved by her caring approach and tenacity in finding solutions.read more
Ellie Natsis
Ellie Natsis
15:41 07 Jan 21
I have had the best experience at this neurologist's office! For over a year I have been receiving iv treatments here... each month and my nurse, Bobbie is beyond wonderful!! She's so attentive, knowledgeable, caring, and detail oriented. She makes an otherwise uncomfortable experience much more pleasant and definitely puts me at ease! She also helps me with my insurance,ordering this specialty medication and dealing with the ordering process which is no easy feat.Needless to say, she goes above a beyond in every way and I'm so grateful to this office and to Bobbie for all they do for me!read more
Matt Morris
Matt Morris
15:39 07 Jan 21
Let me start by saying that I have been coming here for years. Due to my autoimmune disease, I am in this office... once every three weeks for multiple hours at a time. The office is very clean and the staff very friendly. My only complaint would be there communication via phone. They aren't the best at responding if you leave a voicemail and expect a call back. I understand that this is prob just due to the sheer number of alls they receive daily. What I can say I like the best about the office are the people. Bobby who handles my infusions is great. I never have any issues with her setting up my infusions. She is very quick to reply to messages sent via text and if she were to leave then my whole opinion of the office may change. I also enjoy people like Matt, Lauren, and Jodi. I appreciate all that they do for me and without this team I'm not sure I would be as happy as I am to visit the office as frequently as I have to. Please ensure that these folks are recognized as they are what makes my visit to this office so tolerable :).read more
More reviews
js_loader

Please, leave your review

review

Write a comment: