ABOUT TOURETTES SYNDROME

Tics mean repetitive rapid movements or sounds that occur involuntarily and a person has no control over them. Some of the common tics include eye blinking and throat clearing. One person can occur from several tics at once and they may not happen together. Tourettes Syndrome is the type of tics in which there are both discrepancies in movements and sounds. Tics usually start between 3 and 10 years of age and they are often not a serious problem and may disappear themselves. However, tics may get worse due to stress, anxiety, effect of some medicines and tiredness. If a child has Tourettes syndrome, need medical attention though many times the tics just vanish in a few months.

However, in some people, 1 or 2 tics may persist for many years and even moderate to severe tics may remain as adults. Tourettes syndrome in children is at its worst between the ages of 9 and 13 years and most of them outgrow it during the teen years and early adulthood. If tics do not affect daily life, a child may not need the treatment but medicines can help them reduce specific symptoms in them. However, these medicines have their side effects and one medicine does not take care of all the symptoms of Tourettes syndrome and tics completely. Since, child has little control over tics, trying to stop them or focusing too much on tic may just make it worse.

Parents should learn and understand about tics and Tourettes syndrome and explain them to relatives, teachers and caregivers of the child. Understand that your child has very little control over tics caused by Tourettes syndrome. If you focus too much on the tics, they may get worse. In most cases, it's not helpful to encourage your child to try to stop a tic. Your child can hold back tics for a little while, but eventually the tics will come out. Many children with these medical conditions may also suffer from ADHD, learning disabilities or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Tics and Tourettes syndrome may run in families and it is better to get help from the doctor.