By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
Just imagine trying to stop yourself from sneezing or hiccupping. That very uncomfortable pressure that will just not stop until you finally let it out. Yes, that is a little bit like what it feels like for someone living with Tourette’s Syndrome (TS); the only difference is that it is not a sneeze or a hiccup; it is a sudden, unwanted movement or a sound they cannot control.
What Really is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette’s Syndrome is a neurological condition that affects the brain and nerves, causing people to make sudden, repetitive movements or sounds called tics. These tics are involuntary, so those with the disorder cannot control or prevent them from happening. Tics can be as small as a blink or a twitch, or as noticeable as a shout or a repeated word.
It usually starts during childhood, usually among children between the ages of 5 and 10. It tends to affect boys more than girls, and while some children outgrow it as they get older, others carry it into adulthood.
It is important to know that these tics are not done on purpose. People with the syndrome cannot just “stop it” when it occurs. In fact, trying to stop a tic from happening often makes the urge even stronger. It is similar to trying to stop a yawn when you are tired; somehow, it still happens without your permission.
Causes
Although the exact cause of Tourette’s syndrome is not known, scientists know that it is linked to how the brain processes signals. Certain chemicals in the brain, especially those of dopamine and serotonin, may not work the way they should. These chemicals are responsible for emotions in the human system.
Genetics also play a part in passing down the syndrome. For instance, if someone in a family has tourette syndrome or any related to, such conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), there is a higher chance that another family member might contract it as well.
However, it is nobody’s fault; it is just the brain doing what it does in its own unique way.
Symptoms
The main symptom of Tourette syndrome is tics. Tics can involve repetitive sounds, also called ‘vocal tics’, or movements, also called ‘motor tics’. Patients with these tics do not choose to make these sounds or movements and cannot control them.
Those with Tourette’s may experience simple or complex motor tics. They may range from very mild to severe, although most cases are mild.
Simple tics are sudden, brief, repetitive movements that involve a few muscle groups. They precede complex tics and are more common than complex ones.
Simple motor tics include:
- Eye blinking and other eye movements
- Facial grimacing
- Shoulder shrugging
- Head or shoulder jerking
While simple vocal tics include:
- Repetitive throat clearing
- Sniffing
- Barking
- Grunting
The complex tics are distinct, coordinated patterns of movement involving several muscle groups in different parts of the body.
Complex motor tics might include facial grimacing combined with a head twist and a shoulder shrug. It could also include: - Sniffing or touching an object
- Hopping
- Jumping
- Bending
- Twisting
Meanwhile, the complex vocal tics may include:
- Repeating one’s own words or phrases
- Repeating others’ words or phrases (echolalia)
- Using vulgar, obscene, or swear words (coprolalia)
Some of the most dramatic and disabling tics may include motor movements that result in self-harm, such as punching yourself in the face, or vocal tics, such as echolalia or swearing. Some tics are preceded by an urge or sensation in the affected muscle group. Tourette patients may feel like they have to complete a tic in a certain way or a certain number of times to relieve the urge or decrease the sensation.
Tics can be triggered by different things, including stress, excitement or tiredness. Symptoms of Tourette syndrome usually start around the age of 6 and can get more noticeable around the age of 10. Tourette syndrome is more common in boys than in girls.
Beyond the Tics
For many people, the hardest part of living with Tourette’s syndrome is not the tics. it is the reactions from others when the tics go off. Some patients get stares, whispers, and teasing, which can hurt more than the tics themselves. These tics can be triggered by different emotions, including stress, excitement or tiredness.
Despite these challenges, many people with TS are incredibly strong and resilient. They find ways to adapt, to laugh, to grow, and to thrive. Some even say that Tourette’s has taught them patience, confidence, and empathy.
Treatment and Support
There is no single test for Tourette’s syndrome, as doctors usually make a diagnosis by observing symptoms and listening to the person’s history.
While there is no cure yet, there are ways to manage it. These ways include:
- Behavioural therapy: it helps people learn to redirect or manage their tics.
- Medications: can help in more severe cases.
- Understanding and support: This might be the most important form of treatment. Support and understanding from teachers, family, and friends make a whole lot of difference and can help patients through the phase.
It is worth noting that Tourette’s syndrome does not define who a person is. It is just one part of their story and not the whole of it. Many people with the syndrome go on to become doctors, artists, teachers, engineers, speakers and leaders.
So if you ever come across someone with tics they cannot control, do not just stare in disgust; smile because being kind is something we can all control.