1. Videotape Your Child's Tics and Behaviors
Unfortunately, there are no specific medical tests that can positively detect Tourette's syndrome. Doctors usually make a Tourette's diagnosis based on observed behaviors and medical history. Children with Tourette's syndrome have tics as the primary symptom. These tics are involuntary spasms or uncontrollable urges to make a movement or vocalization. Some children can control their tics for short periods of time and may suppress them when examined by a doctor. Tics may also be intermittent and worsen at different times. In order to give the doctor the best possible understanding of your child's disorder, it's recommended that you videotape your child when he is having tics and take it to the doctor.
2. Evaluate Your Child Against Established Tourette's Criteria
The American Psychiatric Association has outlined several criteria that must be present for a Tourette's syndrome diagnosis. First, tics must have begun before the age of 18. Tics must occur multiple times a day almost every day unless they are intermittent. They must continue for at least a year and not disappear for more than 3 months. The child must have both vocal and motor tics, but they do not have to happen at the same time. Finally, the disorder cannot be a symptom or side effect of any other condition or medication. Monitoring your child's behaviors and tics in a journal or calendar can help you keep track of their progression.
3. Rule Out Other Disorders
Before a doctor can be sure he has detected Tourette's syndrome, other conditions that can cause tics must be ruled out. This is typically done using blood tests and neuroimaging tests like CT scans and MRIs. Neuroimaging tests are used to rule out seizure disorders and other brain problems. Blood tests can rule out infections, overuse of medication and other conditions that may cause tics and spasms.
