When is tourettes diagnosed

Although the tic symptoms tend to decrease with age, the associated disorders e. Although it was once considered rare, TS is a common medical condition. TS affects three to four times as many boys as girls. The tic symptoms can range from mild or severe. Tics will manifest differently between individuals. However, for a confirmed diagnosis of TS both involuntary movements and vocalizations must be present.

Although the symptoms of TS vary from person to person and range from very mild to severe, the majority of cases fall into the mild category. Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders occur in all ethnic groups. Males are affected 3 to 4 times more often than females. Gilles de la Tourette syndrome Tourette Syndrome or TS is a neurological disorder which becomes evident in early childhood or adolescence.

Most people with TS and other tic disorders will lead productive lives. At certain times, like when someone is under stress, the tics can become more severe, happen more often, or last longer. Or, the type of tic may change. Some kids can hold back their tics for a short time. But as tension builds, it eventually has to be released as a tic. And if a person is concentrating on controlling the tic, it may be hard to focus on anything else.

This can make it hard for kids with Tourette syndrome to have a conversation or pay attention in class. Tourette syndrome is a genetic disorder, which means it's the result of a change in genes that's either inherited passed on from parent to child or happens during development in the womb.

The exact cause of Tourette syndrome isn't known, but some research points to changes in the brain and problems with how nerve cells communicate. An upset in the balance of neurotransmitters chemicals in the brain that carry nerve signals from cell to cell might play a role. Many kids and teens with Tourette syndrome have other behavioral conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD , obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD , l earning disabilities, or anxiety.

To be diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, a child must have several different types of tics — specifically, multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic — for at least a year. They may happen every day or from time to time throughout the year. A child with Tourette symptoms may need to see a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in problems with the nervous system.

The neurologist may ask the child's parents to keep track of the kinds of tics involved and how often they happen. Support for people with Tourette Syndrome can range from healthcare services, statutory benefits and Monday 25 October: Share your experiences and help improve neuro services.

Reg Charity no: Designed by Storm This website may use cookies to provide an improved experience. You can refuse these cookies by changing your browser settings. To remove this message, click here to accept cookies. It's our birthday! Tourettes Action turns 40 this year! Help us celebrate our milestone birthday by donating here. Getting diagnosed A diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome TS can lead to greater understanding of the condition, access to healthcare, support networks and services.

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