This image depicts a child having motor tics, he is stretching his arms unusually in the middle of class.
Tourette’s syndrome is an inherited neuropsychiatric disorder which generally takes onset in childhood and grows more severe as the childhood passes through adolescence. In this type of disorder repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics take place.
One is physical (motor) tic (involves a single muscle) and the other vocal (phonic) tic, these can be suppressed temporarily and preceded by a premonitory urge.
Some of the commonly found tics in school going children are eye blinking, coughing, throat clearing, sniffing and facial movements.
FACTS
In more than 79 % cases Tourette’s is accompanied by some other disorder (ADHD, ADD, OCD, etc)
SYMPTOMS
- Head jerking
- Closing of the eye
- Eyes rolling in the orbit
- Eye blinking
- Stretching of arms and muscles
- Opening and closing of the mouth
- Abdominal contractions
- Shoulder shrugging
- Mouth twitching
- Barking or yelping
- Coughing
- Grunting
- Shouting
- Sniffing
- Repeating what someone else says
- Swearing
- Complex and loud songs
CASE STUDIES
Master R, age 8 came to the clinic along with his mother. A look at his history reveals he was initially treated for ADHD a few years back because of his impulsive behaviour; he had severe attention problems at school and at home was extremely hyperactive. Initially, he responded well to the treatment, but after a few months motor ticks like jerking of head, unusual blinking of the eyes and twitching of mouth started. After this his treatment stopped for ADHD, but these tic movements remained, although with a lesser frequency. His behaviour became aggressive and several complains of indiscipline came from his school. He was then referred here, and upon examination his treatment for Tourette’s syndrome began.
