Information compiled from:
The Tourette Syndrome Association
www.tsa-usa.org
Tourette Syndrome (TS) can be the most debilitating tic disorder, and is characterized by multiform, frequently changing motor and phonic tics. A tic is a sudden, rapid, recurrent, nonrhythmic, stereotyped motor movement or vocalization. The prevailing diagnostic criteria include recurrent, involuntary, rapid, purposeless motor movements affecting multiple muscle groups; one or more vocal tics; variations in the intensity of symptoms over extended periods of time (waxing and waning); and a duration of more than one year.
Characteristics:
Multiple motor and one or more vocal tics are present, although not necessarily concurrently.
Tics occur many times a day, nearly every day or intermittently throughout a period of more than 1 year and, during this period there was never a tic-free period of more than 3 consecutive months.
Disturbance causes marked distress or significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.
Onset occurs prior to 21 years of age.
Treatment:
Medication is the only proven effective treatment for simple and complex motor and vocal tics. However, the decision to choose treatment, and if so, what type, depends on the degree to which TS interferes with the child's normal development or ability to function productively. Unless there is a state of emergency, the physician may choose to monitor a patient for several months before initiating a specific treatment plan. The primary emphasis must be on helping navigate the normal developmental tasks - to feel competent in school, develop friendships, experience trust in her or his parents, and enjoy life's adventures. Many children with TS do well in their daily lives. For such children, treatment to alleviate the tics generally is not necessary. If the child, family and physician choose treatment, developmental issues must constantly be reassessed. It may become apparent that the child's tics are of minimal significance. Even if a youngster satisfies the criteria for TS, no treatment may be necessary. In the majority of cases, the severity of TS becomes apparent within two to three years of its onset. In many instances, symptoms spontaneously cease in the late teens.
RESOURCES:
Tourette Syndrome Association www.tsa-usa.org
Tourette Syndrome.com: http://www.tourette-syndrome.com/