Primary Symptoms of Tourette Syndrome
Tics are the primary symptoms of Tourette Syndrome. The symptoms usually begin when a child reaches the age of 5-10. Motor tics in the head and neck are usually the first signs. The tics are usually worse when they are excited or stressed. When a person is focused or calm, they tend to increase. Over time, the type of tics a person experiences and their frequency can change. The symptoms may appear, disappear and reappear. These situations are chronic. Tics usually decrease during adolescence or early adulthood, and then disappear completely.
In some cases, tics can worsen as people age. Media portrays people with TS as screaming swear words, known as coprolalia, or repeating the names or words of others repeatedly known as echolalia. These symptoms are uncommon and don’t require a Tourette Syndrome diagnosis. The disorder TS is characterised by unwanted sounds and repetitive movements that are not easily controlled. You may, for example, blink your eyes, make unusual sounds, or say offensive words, and then shrug your shoulders.
Tics usually occur between 2 and 15 year olds, with an age average of 6 years. The likelihood of males developing TS is three to four time greater than that of females. Although there is no cure for Tourette Syndrome, there are treatments. When symptoms are mild, many people with Tourette syndrome don’t need treatment. After the age of 18, tics can sometimes be controlled or reduced. TS is characterized by tics, which are sudden, brief sounds or movements. The symptoms can range from mild to severe. The symptoms can affect daily functioning, communication and quality of living.
Tics are classified as:
- Complex tics These are coordinated patterns consisting of different muscle groups.
- Simple Tics: These are quick, repeated, and consist of a small number of muscle groups.
The tics can also be made up of movements or sounds. The motor tics usually start before vocal tics. The tics spectrum has a wide range of experiences.
