Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a neuro‑psychiatric hereditary disorder manifested by stereotypical motor or vocal tics. In general, this disease is caused by a congenital impairment of the basal ganglia, that is, the brain nuclei present in both hemispheres. On average, 50 out of 100,000 people suffer from Tourette syndrome.

This disorder affects men to a much greater extent (3–4 times more). The syndrome occurs in all countries of the world. Many patients with this condition show unusual talents for creative activities (for example, the most famous storyteller of all time, the Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen, or the most significant representative of French naturalism, Émile Zola).

Treatment

This chronic disease is incurable. It is possible to focus on reducing unpleasant tics and on preventing stressful situations that may worsen them. Psychotherapy or general psychological support is possible. Good results have been observed with treatment using marijuana (or with the administration of synthetic THC). In extreme cases, botulinum toxin injections into the muscles may be administered in adults.

• at first, relatively inconspicuous presence of typical manifestations – gradual onset around the ages of 5–10
• later on, especially during puberty, worsening of the overall condition
• in adulthood, the overall health condition and the intensity of tics generally improve again
• motor tics (blinking, twitching, jerking, flinging or swinging of the upper limbs, etc.)
• vocal tics (humming, grunting, throat‑clearing, shouting, uttering vulgar expressions in public, on the street, etc.)
• tics intensify during stressful situations
• affected individuals describe a tic as something they do impulsively and cannot stop, even though it annoys them, embarrasses them, and is socially unacceptable
• they are often misunderstood by people who do not know them or their diagnosis, and they must face repeated questions or comments telling them to stop
• during childhood, they may feel excluded from their peer group and often experience bullying