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BlinkingBriefly making a face as if angry or in pain (called a "grimace " �)Shrugging the shouldersJerking the headWalking in a strange wayKicking, jumping, or moving the body in odd waysScratchingMaking obscene gesturesVocal tics " � These are tics that involve unusual sounds or words, or phrases that dont make sense or seem odd. Examples include:- Throat-clearing, grunting, or other noises
- Swearing
- Repeating words or phrases (including echoing what other people say)
People with Tourette syndrome often know that they are going to have a tic before it happens. � �
Is there a test for Tourette syndrome? " � No. There is no test. But your doctor or nurse should be able to tell if you or your child has it by learning about the symptoms. Most people with Tourette syndrome have a normal physical exam. � �
How is Tourette syndrome treated? " � Children and adults with Tourette syndrome don't need medical treatment unless their tics are severe. A person with Tourette syndrome might need treatment if he or she is having problems: � �
- Talking with other people
- Attending school or working at a job
- Doing everyday things such as bathing, dressing, and eating
Treatments include: � �
- Medicines " � Certain medicines used to treat different mental health conditions can lower the number of tics a person has.
- Botulinum toxin (brand name: Botox) " � This is a medicine that is given by injection. It works by blocking or calming the nerve signals that make the muscles jerk or twitch.
- Habit reversal training " � This treatment involves working with a therapist who teaches people with Tourette syndrome to recognize when they are about to have a tic. Then, the people train themselves to do a different movement that makes it hard to do the tic. This treatment is not available everywhere.
How can I learn more about Tourette syndrome? " � More information is available online from the Tourette Syndrome Association at www.tsa-usa.org. It's also important to make sure that family, friends, teachers, and co-workers of people with Tourette syndrome learn about the disorder. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 83754 Version 2.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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