Tourette's Syndrome

It is believed that one in 200 people may have some form of Tourette's, though often in a very mild form.

What is it?

A neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable vocal sounds (tics) and/or involuntary physical movements. Tourette's Syndrome (TS) is an inherited condition that tends to kick in during childhood and worsen through adolescence. For some, TS can be a debilitating, seemingly anti-social condition, although many find their symptoms lessen in adulthood, or even disappear completely.

Describe the symptoms

Symptoms vary from case to case. Facial tics are a common feature, however, from eye blinking to nose twitching and grimacing, while body tics such as jerking, twists and jolts can also develop. In terms of vocal noises, symptoms can range from persistent sniffing to grunting, shrieking, muttering, yelping or shouting. Random swearing is perhaps the most popular conception we have of people with TS, but this is in fact a chronic symptom, affecting less than a third of all cases.

What causes it?

Current research suggests there may be a link between Tourette's Syndrome and a gene abnormality that distorts the way signals are carried between cells in the body, but, at the moment, the results are inconclusive.

How is it treated?

Most people with Tourette's require no treatment as the symptoms are so mild, but professional help may be appropriate if it's interfering with day-to-day living or even basic functioning. There is no cure for Tourette's Syndrome, however. This means the aim of any potential treatment is to reduce the severity of the condition according to the symptoms of each individual case, (while taking into account any possible side-effects if medication is involved).

Quick facts

• Tourette's Syndrome does not affect a person's intelligence.
• People with Tourette's can expect to live a normal life span.
• Tourette's Syndrome is not a degenerative condition. You can be as fit and healthy as the next person.