Tourette’s syndrome
Tourette’s syndrome is a disease of the extrapyramidal system, the duration of which is at least one year, during which involuntary tics of the muscles, including the vocal cords, very often occur (there is a variation in the duration and course of motor and vocal tics), as well as behavioral problems.
reasons
Tourette’s syndrome is a hereditary disease that men suffer from much more often than women (3:1). The real cause of the disease has not been identified, but there is evidence that the syndrome occurs against the background of impaired transmission of nerve impulses and problems with dopamine production.
Tics begin, as a rule, from an early age (with involuntary muscle twitching), and over time, attacks of unusual movements begin to appear (spasms of the vocal cords that make breathing difficult and disrupt the “inhale – exhale” system). Vocal tics sound like barking or grunting, which can lead to the appearance of forced involuntary attacks of swearing at an older age.
SYNDROMES
The criteria for diagnosis are age up to 20 years, the presence of repetitive, rapid, uncontrolled movements of muscle groups.
If ordinary tics (blinking of the eyes) can suddenly occur and spontaneously disappear over time, then Tourette’s syndrome has a more confusing clinical picture. Children may experience not only blinking of the eyes, but also twitching of the neck, head from side to side, opening of the mouth. Involuntary spasms of the muscles of the arms and legs may also be observed.
People with this disease can involuntarily shout obscenities, repeat some expressions immediately after they hear them (like an echo).
It is possible to control ticks, but it requires endurance and patience. During a period of emotional stress, control is almost impossible.
Attention deficit disorder. Patients with Tourette’s syndrome have problems communicating with others. Most often, patients have an aggressive, irritable manner of behavior. It is very difficult for a child to study at school. Attention deficit cider can persist for a long time even in adulthood.
At school, the course of the disease is intermittent with moments of subsidence and exacerbation. In children, the period of improvement is observed during rest (school holidays).
diagnostics
If you find a child with frequent spontaneous tics, then it is better not to postpone a visit to the doctor.
Also, if you notice that the child has started swearing often, becomes aggressive and irritable, starts repeating words after you, this is an excuse to consult a doctor. When going to a specialist, it is necessary to prepare all possible diseases on the parents’ side, because the presence of signs of the disease in the older generation significantly narrows the range of possible diseases.
The doctor looks at the general clinical symptoms of the patient, studies his behavior, the appearance of tics.
Instrumental diagnostic methods do not show any brain damage or abnormalities.
treatment
For parents, it is necessary to understand that the child’s bad behavior, his swearing, are not the cause of bad parenting or behavior, therefore it is impossible to punish and scold the child.
This syndrome is suppressed by the action of neuroleptics. This is a very effective class of drugs, but with side effects (weight gain, vision problems, slow thinking).
Tranquilizers are often used for treatment.
