Neurology Search
Neurology Neurology
tourette's%20syndrome%20-and-%20other%20tic%20disorders
TOURETTE'S SYNDROME & OTHER TIC DISORDERS
Tics are sudden, rapid, non-rhytmic, repetitive, motor movements or vocalizations. The mean age of onset is approximately 5 years old.
Tourette's syndrome is the most common form of tic disorder.
There is a strong genetic component showing a 10- to 100-fold increase in the rates of tics and Tourette's syndrome among first-degree relatives of Tourette's syndrome patients.
Simple motor tics are restricted to a single or a few muscle groups and last less than a fraction of a second.
Complex motor tics involve larger muscle groups, usually last longer and appear purposeful and goal-directed.

Counselling

Supportive Counseling

  • Attention to self-esteem, family issues, social coping & school adjustment may have ameliorative effects on anxiety & depression if present
    • May help decrease acute & chronic stress which can exacerbate tics
  • Encourage parents to build on child’s strengths

Possible Preventive Factors

  • Good sleep & personal hygiene
  • Informed & supportive school & home environment
  • Regular physical exercise
  • Encouragement of special talents (eg athletic skills, musical abilities, etc)
Editor's Recommendations
Most Read Articles
Alcohol consumption during adolescence alters brain development trajectories
30 Apr 2018
Adolescents appear to have disordered normal brain growth trajectories after initiating drinking, with or without co-use of marijuana, a recent study has found. Peak consumption in the past year and family history of alcoholism possibly contribute to abnormal cortical volume trajectories.