Tourette syndrome (TS) or Tourette disorder (TD) is a neurological disorder that causes repeated tics. Tics are rapid uncontrolled muscle jerks or vocal sounds. Children affected by the syndrome usually develop symptoms between the ages of five and ten years (1).
Most children with TS may have simple tics in the initial stages, and often develop complex tics that may interfere with daily life. In contrast, some children may have milder tics and may not require any treatment at all. Seek medical care for individual diagnosis and treatment of the condition since the severity may vary in each child.
Read this post to know more about the causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Tourette syndrome in children.
Causes Of Tourette Syndrome In Children
The exact cause of Tourette syndrome is not yet known. It can occur due to genetic and environmental factors. Many children with Tourette syndrome have shown an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. That means there is a one in two (50%) chance to pass the gene to each child if a parent has Tourette syndrome or a Tourette syndrome gene (2).
About one in 20 children with Tourette syndrome develop the condition without any genetic reasons. The following factors may increase the risk (3).
Boys are about three to four times more likely to develop Tourette syndrome than girls (4).
Signs And Symptoms Of Tourette Syndrome In Children
Uncontrolled muscle movements or tics are characteristic signs of Tourette syndrome. Muscle movements may often occur in the hands, torso, shoulders, neck, or face. Children may have simple tics that involve a few muscles or may have complex tics involving more muscles.
Depending on the type of tics, the following signs and symptoms are seen in children with Tourette disorder (4).
Simple tics may include:
- Eye blinking
- Grimacing
- Head jerking
- Shrugging
- Squinting
- Nose twitches
- Leg movements, such as leg jerking, scratching, and foot-tapping
Complex tics may include:
- Touching
- Bending
- Walking in a particular pattern
- Pinching
- Striking tongue out
- Lip-smacking
- Rude or obscene gestures
Vocal tics can be:
- Barking voices
- Sniffing
- Whistling
- Moaning
- Hissing
- Spitting
- Snorting
- Coughing
- Throat clearing
- Echoing or repeating phrases
- Using rude words such as obscene words
Sometimes, the type of tics may change over time, such as a child with simple tics may develop complex or vocal tics. Boys are more likely to have chronic tics. Girls with tics are more vulnerable to anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
It can often be hard to tell if a tic is a normal action or uncontrolled muscle movement. Also, children may have tics for months and then grow out of it, making it difficult to tell if it is abnormal. Therefore, consult a doctor if you observe tics and other uncontrolled movements in your child.
Diagnosis Of Tourette Syndrome In Children
The diagnosis of Tourette disorder is usually made around the age of seven. Doctors will ask about your child’s signs and symptoms and the medical history, including prenatal care, childbirth, developmental delays, and family history, to identify the possible causes of tics (5).
Doctors may also evaluate a child’s behavior and often ask teachers to know about their behavior and interactions. Pediatric psychologists may also assess the child for psychological development. Additional diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and MRI imaging, are often ordered to rule out other causes of vocal tics or muscle tics in children.
Treatment For Tourette Syndrome In Children
There is no cure for Tourette syndrome, but there are several ways to manage the condition effectively. Treatment may vary depending on your child’s symptoms, severity, age, and general health status. Some children may not require any treatment, while a few may need special training, medications, or psychotherapy to cope with the tics.
The following are the various treatment options that could be considered (6).
- Comprehensive behavioral therapies could help some children deal with tics and reduce it. Treatment specialists can help teach the child various ways to manage tics in different situations. The involvement of parents and teachers could be required to make the therapy effective.
- Medications could be prescribed to regulate muscle movement or to control neurotransmitters.
- Antidepressants, stimulants, or other medications could be prescribed if the child has coexisting psychiatric issues, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or any other cognitive or emotional problems.
If Tourette syndrome does not cause emotional or learning issues, or does not impact a child’s normal cognitive growth, then no treatment might be required.
You can encourage and support your child to overcome the emotional and physical disabilities they face due to repeated tics. Spending more time in a positive environment, such as supporting peer groups, classroom, or family, may help them gain their independence and self-esteem.
Possible Complications Of Tourette Syndrome In Children
Most children with TS have normal intellectual functioning and learning abilities. Sometimes, the following complications are seen (7).
- Attention problems
- Learning difficulties
- Behavioral issues
- Mood swings
- Speaking problems
- Difficulties in social interaction
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep disorders
- Repeated movements may also cause pain and headache
Prevention Of Tourette Disorder In Children
There is no definitive method to prevent Tourette disorder in children (8). However, some measures may help reduce the risk.
- Genetic counseling for affected parents may help many parents to know the risk of having a child with Tourette disorder in a future pregnancy.
- Proper prenatal care and baby safety measures to avoid head injuries and CO poisoning may reduce the risk for Tourette syndrome.
- Being observant for any early signs of tics and other disorders can lead to early treatment, which may significantly reduce any long-term issues.
Tourette syndrome is often a life-long condition, but it is manageable with the right methods. Adequate treatment measures can help most children with TS lead a normal life and pursue their aspirations. Family and peer support are essential, thus, make sure those around your child are aware of their condition.
