1. Tourette's Syndrome is No Laughing Matter
While some random comedians poke fun at Tourette's Syndrome for it's perceived main symptom, coprolalia, or impromptu swearing, Tourette's is no laughing matter to those afflicted. While some people with Tourette's Syndrome do have random swearing fits, it's not an intrinsic part of the condition. There are a number of other more common symptoms involved in Tourette's including involuntary movements such as facial tics, eye blinking, shoulder jerking and twisting of the torso. The person afflicted may also swear or shout strange words, grunt, bark or make other loud sounds. The array of vocal outbursts includes repeating what others have said and random sounds from meowing to banshee like wailing. When the patient is under stress, the symptoms worsen.
2. Impaired Dopamine Compromises Motor Functions
Medical evidence suggests Tourette's is an inherited disease. It affects transmitters in charge of dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters that regulate mood and the connection between mind and the body. There's a good chance a male child of a Tourette's patient will contract the condition, although it can manifest itself as attention deficit disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or a mild case of tics instead of full-blown Tourette's.
3. Natural Remedies Help
Clonidine can be used for treatment of facial tics although medication is normally not prescribed for Tourette's since outbreaks are sporadic and not life threatening. The medications dispensed for Tourette's usually treat related side effects like attention deficient disorder or obsessive compulsive disease. Natural remedies like B complex vitamins and anti-oxidants are helpful in curbing Tourette's severity, as are eliminating aspartame and caffeine from the diet. While its unlikely that Vitamin B or other supplements will eliminate facial tics, they certainly can strengthen the immune system and reduce the stress that leads to Tourette's outbursts.
4. Living With Tourette's Syndrome
The psychological effects of Tourette's can be devastating, but having a strong network of family and friends who love and support a Tourette's sufferer lessen the stress and shame. A comfortable living environment and other factors that keep stress to a minimum relieves outbreaks. Certain health conditions, such as strep throat can worsen Tourette's symptoms, so good overall medical care helps immensely. Notifying an airline or show organizer before traveling or attending a concert as a precaution is a matter of choice, but is not required by law.
5. Raising Children Who Have Tourette's
The psychological ramification of Tourette's can be difficult for school-age children, especially if they have frequent tic outbursts that may result in them touching or hitting other people. Consult your pediatrician for instructions on how to handle your child's Tourette's outbursts. In most cases, Tourette's symptoms dissipate with age, with the worst symptoms showing in adolescence.
