Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition, characterized by a combination of involuntary noises (grunting, coughing or shouting) and movements (jerking of the head or jumping) called tics. The first symptoms usually are involuntary movements (tics) of the face, arms, limbs or trunk. These tics are frequent, repetitive and rapid. The most common first symptom is a facial tic (eye blink, nose twitch, grimace). Studies indicate 1 in every 100 children is likely to be affected with Tourette's. It is 4-5 times more common in boys than in girls. Genetic studies suggest that some forms of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) are genetically related to TS.
Tourette’s has no standard therapy. In case of mild symptoms, treatment for TS is usually limited to education. Severe tics can be treated with drugs like neuroleptics (risperidone, ziprasidone, haloperidol etc) and antihypertensives (clonidine, guanfacine etc). Cognitive behavioral therapy and Relaxation techniques may be helpful in some patients. Surgery is useful in extreme cases when the patient does not respond to all other forms of therapy. Investigators are conducting a variety of genetic studies and finding genes for responsible for TS and provide a way towards understanding genetic risk factors. Research is being done to use traditional Chinese medicine, homeopathy to prevent the occurrence of tics.