Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, commonly known as Tourette syndrome, is a hereditary genetic disorder that affects the nervous system and is characterized by a combination of vocal and motor tics that appear several times a day.

Inappropriate verbalizations and spasms begin to occur during childhood, typically between the ages of six and twelve, and make social and academic interactions more difficult. Although they are involuntary, it is possible to start controlling these tics around the age of ten—sometimes naturally, and other times with specific treatment.

Because individuals with this syndrome may occasionally make gestures or utter obscene words, society often rejects them. However, it's important to know that this is a minority trait among those affected, and that with proper support, it can be controlled over time. Raising awareness about Tourette syndrome so that the public understands its nature is key to helping these patients achieve better social integration.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Tourette syndrome can be divided into four major categories:

• Simple motor tics: brief, repetitive movements involving a single muscle group:
• Blinking.
• Making facial grimaces.
• Shrugging the shoulders.
• Jerking the head.
• Complex motor tics: movements that follow varied patterns and involve several muscle groups:
• Touching objects.
• Walking in a specific pattern.
• Mimicking other people’s movements.
• Jumping.
• Making obscene gestures.
• Simple vocal tics: involuntary sounds produced with the voice:
• Coughing.
• Snorting.
• Barking.
• Complex vocal tics: these are not just sounds, but also include words or full phrases:
• Repeating words (sometimes echoing others).
• Repeating phrases (their own or others’).
• Swearing or using vulgar language.

Causes

The exact causes of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome remain unknown. Research suggests that the disorder has both a genetic and an environmental component. The basal ganglia in the brain, which help control movement, and neurotransmitters, which transmit nerve signals, may be involved.

Risk factors

Some of the factors that increase the risk of developing Tourette syndrome include:

• Family history: the hereditary component means that most children diagnosed with the syndrome have family members with the same disorder or isolated tics.
• Sex: the condition is more common in males.
• Previous infection of the respiratory tract by group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus: antibodies produced to fight this bacteria can trigger an autoimmune response that affects the basal ganglia.

Complications

In general, patients with Tourette syndrome do not experience major complications and can lead normal lives once they learn to control their impulses. In some cases, the syndrome is associated with other conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, anxiety, depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Prevention

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome cannot be prevented, as it is a genetic disorder.

Which doctor treats Tourette syndrome?

The diagnosis and management of Tourette syndrome are carried out by geneticists and neurologists, who also collaborate with psychologists or psychiatrists for treatment.