Tourette’s Syndrome is also called Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome. The prevalence of Tourette’s syndrome in adolescents ranges from 3 to 5 per 10,000. It is slightly more common in males than in females. Tourette’s syndrome is characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics that usually start before the age of 21 years and lasts for more than one year. The symptoms may change in character over time and wax and wane in intensity.

 Tourette’s syndrome is the most common cause of tics which might range from simple brief jerks to complex involuntary movements which could be preceded by an unpleasant sensation which is relieved by movement. Tics could be suppressed briefly but this builds up an inner sensation which needs to be relevied by excessive tics later. The head and neck region in the body is most commonly involved. Tics may involve limbs as well as sounds. Some of the examples of tics include eye blinking, grimacing, head shaking, throat clearing, barking sounds, repeating words or parts of words or sniffing. Tics could be very fast in speed called clonic tics or could be sustained contractions called dystonic tics.

DIAGNOSIS: Supressibility is a key features to distinguish tics from other movement disorders. Tics usually begin in childhood and increase in severity around age 9 to 10 years. With age they may improve. The tics might be associated with obsessive compulsive or attention deficit disorder.  CT scan and MRI are usually normal.

TREATMENT:  When tics are mild and not bothering the patient no treatment is necessary. However if the tics become socially disabling treatment might be needed. Some of the medications used in the treatment of Tourette’s syndrome include Clonidine which is an antihypertensive drug but does help Tourette’s syndrome. 

Other medications used include Tetrabenzine and Clonazepine. Prophenazine are used less commonly due to more serious side effects of tardive dystonia.