International Tourette Awareness Day: Understanding Tourette Syndrome

Introduction

June 7 marks International Tourette Awareness Day, a time to reflect on Tourette Syndrome (TS) and its impact. This article highlights four intriguing and lesser-known facts about this neurological condition.

Prevalence of Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome affects nearly one in every 162 children. In the United States, approximately 0.3% of children aged six to seventeen have received a diagnosis. This indicates that nearly half of the children with the condition remain undiagnosed.

Defining Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome is classified as a nervous system condition, also referred to as a Tic Disorder. Tics can manifest in various ways, including large body movements, vocal sounds, simple body tics, or complex patterned tics involving multiple body parts.

Four Little-Known Facts About Tourette Syndrome

1. Co-occurring Disorders

A significant percentage—up to 86%—of children diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome also experience other mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders. Common co-occurring conditions include ADHD, anxiety, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. This overlap can complicate diagnosis, as symptoms of TS may be misattributed to other disorders. Therefore, it’s essential for healthcare providers to evaluate children for these additional conditions to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

2. Unknown Causes

The exact cause of Tourette Syndrome remains unidentified. However, research indicates a genetic component, with boys showing a higher likelihood of exhibiting symptoms than girls. TS is thought to be inherited through a dominant gene. Environmental factors, including maternal smoking during pregnancy, complications during pregnancy, low birth weight, and infections, may also contribute to the condition. Symptoms typically emerge during childhood or adolescence and may diminish or worsen into early adulthood.

3. Intelligence and Educational Needs

Research indicates that individuals with Tourette Syndrome do not have differences in intelligence compared to their peers. However, the symptoms can disrupt educational experiences, necessitating tailored educational plans. Parents should collaborate with schools to ensure appropriate support is provided for their children’s unique needs.

4. Treatment Options

While there is no cure for Tourette Syndrome, various treatment options exist. The choice of treatment often depends on the individual’s circumstances. If tics significantly disrupt daily life, therapies such as deep brain stimulation, medication, behavior modification, or speech therapy may be effective.

Deep Brain Stimulation

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical option involving an implanted device that delivers electrical stimulation to targeted brain areas. This method allows for precise stimulation while minimizing effects on surrounding brain structures. Although reports suggest DBS can be beneficial for treating TS, challenges remain regarding insurance coverage and the establishment of standardized treatment protocols.

Orthodontic Devices

Emerging research has explored the use of orthodontic devices for managing Tourette Syndrome. Oral splints designed to alleviate muscle tension in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders have shown potential in improving tic symptoms. Researchers hypothesize that the act of biting down may serve as a ‘sensory trick’ that helps mitigate involuntary movements. These findings are preliminary, and further studies are needed to confirm their efficacy and understand the underlying mechanisms.

Advocacy and Awareness

Many individuals with Tourette Syndrome do not require formal treatment. However, it is vital for those affected to advocate for themselves, helping friends, classmates, and colleagues understand the condition. Emphasizing strengths and promoting awareness can significantly enhance the quality of life for those with TS.

References

– Data and Statistics on Tourette Syndrome | CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/tourette/data.html#ref. Published 2019. Accessed June 1, 2019.
– FAQs – Tourette Association of America. Tourette Association of America. https://tourette.org/about-tourette/overview/faqs/. Published 2019. Accessed June 1, 2019.
– Martinez-Ramirez, D., et al. (2018). Efficacy and Safety of Deep Brain Stimulation in Tourette Syndrome: The International Tourette Syndrome Deep Brain Stimulation Public Database and Registry. JAMA Neurology.
– Murakami, J. et al. Oral splint ameliorates tic symptoms in patients with Tourette syndrome. Mov Disord mds.27819 (2019). doi:10.1002/mds.27819.
– Saori Obayashi. An oral splint that can reduce Tourette syndrome tics. EurekAlert! (2019).