What is a Tic
A tic is a sudden involuntary, rapid, recurrent motor or vocal action. They can be divided into various categories but the main groupings are as follows:
• Simple motor tics include blinking, grimacing, facial twitching, jerking limbs or head, kicking, finger movements, mouth opening, tongue protruding, jaw snapping, teeth clicking, knuckle cracking and shoulder shrugging.
• Complex motor tics include hopping, jumping, facial gestures, pinching, licking, kissing, lip biting, bending, gyrating, twirling and touching objects.
• Simple vocal tics include whistling, sucking sounds, repeating syllable sounds, coughing, sniffing, spitting, snorting, screeching, barking, grunting and clacking.
• Complex vocal tics include the repetition of short phrases such as, “you know” or “all right.”
• animal noises, muttering, complex breathing patterns, use of obscene or socially inappropriate words, variations in accent, loudness, tone, rhythm and speed of speech.
How does Tourette Syndrome Start and who Does it Affect
The onset of the tics is normally mild and usually occurs between the ages of two and twenty-one. The tics will usually fluctuate in frequency and severity from day to day. The fluctuation is referred to as waxing and waning. Tourette Syndrome is found in all cultures and racial groups and is reported to be three to four times more common in males.
Can Tourette Syndrome be Treated
The main focus of treatment is often the education of people who come into contact with the person who has Tourette Syndrome. It makes a difference to be surrounded by people who have at least a basic understanding of the condition and will not be alarmed by it.
If the tics are painful or cause extreme psychological distress to a child, the doctor may prescribe medication. This is normally a drug from the group of neuroleptics. These medicines are often used on adults with psychotic illnesses but can also reduce the severity of tics. The drugs do have side effects so are only used when doctors deem necessary.
Dealing with Tics at Work and School
While some people can suppress their tics to a certain extent, it takes effort and concentration and sidetracks them from what they should be doing. It is important that co-workers, teachers, staff and children understand what Tourette Syndrome is and that the tics are involuntary. The best way to handle tics in the classroom is to ignore them. The child should have permission to leave the class for a break if they have a particularly loud or long spell of them. Sitting near the door can be helpful in these cases.
In a work situation, a person with Tourette Syndrome may be more comfortable in their own office. Having the understanding of co-workers will make their daily routines easier.
Tourette Syndrome is a complex condition that often appears in people under twenty-one. It cannot be cured but medication can subdue the tics to a certain extent. The best way to cope with Tourette Syndrome is by educating people who interact with the person on a regular basis.
Reference:
Tics and Tourette Syndrome , Uttom Chowdhury, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, 2004
