Tourette Disorder in Children - Maximed Turkey

What is Tourette disorder in children?

Tourette disorder is a neurological disorder that causes the person to shout out obscene words or inappropriate remarks. It's sometimes called coprolalia.

For some people, Tourette syndrome can also produce vocalizations that sound like sniffing, clicking, hissing, roaring, or barking. These are called vocal tics. Coprolalia and vocal tics are generally considered to be the most prominent features of Tourette syndrome in children

The name "Tourette's Syndrome" was coined in 1885 by Dr Georges Gilles de la Tourette after he was appointed physician at the Hospice de Bicetre outside Paris.

What causes Tourette disorder in a child?

Tourette disorder is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by repetitive motor and vocal tics. Patients with Tourette are likely to have multiple tics over time, the majority of which are relatively mild in social impact. The causes of Tourette syndrome are unknown, but it is thought that it could be related to problems in certain parts of the brain, genetics, or both. Treatment-wise there has yet to be a single cure that can work for all patients, but treatment options do exist for managing symptoms.

Tourette disorder is characterized by repetitive motor and vocal tics that are often simple and brief, but sometimes complex and prolonged. Most patients have multiple tics over time, the majority of which are relatively mild in social impact.

The exact cause of Tourette syndrome is unknown, but it is thought that multiple factors may be involved. These factors include a genetic component as a large percentage of patients have a positive family history of Tourette syndrome or other related disorders such as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Which children are at risk for Tourette disorder?

Children who have a family history of Tourette syndrome, tics, or other related disorders such as Obsessive-Compulsive disorder are at a higher risk for developing the disorder.

Tourette syndrome often begins before the age of 18 and is more common in boys than girls. Ten percent of patients with Tourette syndrome experience symptoms that begin after they reach their forties, and it is thought that there could be a slight increase in females who develop symptoms after age 18.

How is Tourette disorder diagnosed in a child?

Tourette syndrome can often be diagnosed at a young age, by age six it is very unlikely that the disorder will have developed. If there are any concerns regarding tics or Tourette one should speak to their doctor as soon as possible so it does not interfere with normal activities. It is also important that the patient have an assessment by a specialist in this area to determine if they are suffering from Tourette syndrome, or if their tics are being caused by another mental illness.

Assessing for other associated disorders is critical because patients with another medical disorder could be misdiagnosed.

What is Genetic Counseling?

Genetic counselling is an important step in gaining a better understanding of tics and Tourette's. This can be helpful for families whose children have tics or Tourette's. A genetic counsellor is a specially trained professional who explains the recent advances in genetic science and how it applies to genetic disorders like TS.

Genetic counsellors provide information, answer questions about risk, inheritance, family planning, and other concerns. They also facilitate communication between families and their doctors, including the doctor who may eventually diagnose their child with Tourette syndrome.

What are the possible complications of Tourette's disorder?

Tourette syndrome can be associated with physical problems. Coprolalia (sounds like "cop" and "roll") is annoying, especially for school-age children. Roughly 5% of children with Tourette syndrome also develop tics that involve choreiform movements of the arms and legs (called tic-like behaviours)

Children with Tourette syndrome have a less than 80% chance of being able to afford their healthcare needs during their lifetime. About 60% have at least one co-existing disorder such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or autism spectrum disorder.