Causes & Risk Factors of Tourette’s Syndrome

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What do Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi, David Beckham and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart have in common? They all have Tourette’s syndrome.

If you ever heard about Tourettes, you might have thought immediately about someone swearing all the time. However, Tourette’s syndrome (TS) is not only about that. In fact, that is the less common case. What is it really? It is a neurological disorder, which means it affects the brain and nerves of people who have to live with it and hinders them from stopping a range of movements and noises, causing social adjustment issues.

It is unknown what causes Tourettes, yet we do know socioeconomic factors don’t have an influence, but genetics do.

What causes Tourette’s syndrome?


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As it happens with other neurological conditions, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Autism or OCD, experts have not discovered yet what causes the syndrome, but they know boys are more likely to be affected than girls. Despite the causes being still unknown, investigations do not ignore the role played by dopamine and serotonin, chemicals that transmit nerve impulses, and the influence of genetics. If one parent suffers from TS, the children are 50% more likely to have it and it appears that many variations in genes can increase the risk of developing it.

But it seems it is not only about genetics. Some environmental factors combined with the genetic makeup trigger the TS or make it worse. Several studies have focused on inadequate weight gain of the mother during pregnancy in addition to consuming cannabis and drugs when expecting a baby.

In addition, there is something else to underline: 80% of Tourette’s sufferers also have at least one other condition, such as ADHD (63%), Anxiety (49%), Autism (35%), OCD (33%) and Depression (25%).

What are the symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome?


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There is a wide range of symptoms, they are diverse, and they can vary during a patient’s life. What we know is that the first symptoms appear on the head and neck, and they may progress and include the trunk muscles, arms and legs.

In the beginning, it is pretty common having simple and motor tics, but as time goes by, people with Tourette’s syndrome often develop more complex tics and vocal tics, which are the most usual.

If we look at the physical ones, twirling, blinking, eye-rolling, grimacing, touching objects/people and jerking head and shoulders, which can be painful, are the most frequent. On the other hand, we have vocal tics. Despite the narrative mass media and films have built up about people with Tourette’s, swearing is not the main and only trait. In fact, it is one of the rarest ones, as it only affects about 1 in 10 people.

They also may be grunting, clicking sounds, whistling, animal sounds, throat clearing, saying random words and phrases, coughing and tongue clicking. All of them get worse when the person is stressed, anxious or tired, and usually are preceded by a premonitory sensation, such as a pretty strong urge like a burning feeling in the eyes before a blinking tic. On the contrary, being calm or doing a task that requires concentration, such as reading or practising a sport, makes tics improve pretty much.

How is Tourette’s syndrome diagnosed?


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There is no test to know if one has Tourette’s, but people can be diagnosed with TS after having several tics for at least one year, which can make it a relief most of the time. Knowing the symptoms causes and letting others know what is happening to you helps, without a doubt, to understand, accept and normalise the situation.

If you believe you or someone you know might have Tourette’s syndrome, try our online Tourette’s syndrome test but remember it is not an official diagnosis.

How is Tourette’s syndrome treated?

There is no diagnostic test, and there is no cure. However, there are some medicines that may help control tics by blocking dopamine levels not without some side effects. Most people do not need them, though. Moreover, psychological therapy plays a significant role to improve other associated disorders like anxiety, stress or learning and behavioural problems, as well as the consequences arising from TS on affective and social relationships. Nevertheless, look for professional advice or ask your GP.

Can you develop Tourette’s syndrome later in life?

It usually shows up in childhood or teenage, more specifically between the ages of 3 and 9 years old (the average is around six years). The condition can emerge at any age.

Did this blog post resonate with you, take our Tourettes Syndrome test.

What are the risk factors for Tourette’s syndrome?

While science doesn’t yet understand what causes Tourette’s syndrome, there are thought to be some genetic and environmental risk factors. Also, the interaction of both genetic and environmental factors is thought to be influential in the development of the condition.

One such factor is being male: boys with the dominant Tourette’s gene are 3-4 times more likely than girls to have symptoms of Tourette’s. Complications during pregnancy are also suspected of playing a role in the condition, as are low birth weights.

And if you’re wondering if you can develop Tourettes later in life, the answer is no. However, physical tics can begin in adults as a result of a mental health or central nervous system condition.

Webinar: Do I Have Tourette Syndrome?

 
Nat Hawley, our Head of Community, has hosted a webinar about Tourette Syndrome. This webinar is not intended to diagnose Tourette’s. Only a qualified medical professional can make a diagnosis.

Blog Author

Natalia Herrero López


Neurotypical