Tourette's syndrome is characterized by uncontrolled motor or verbal tics such as uncontrollably moving a limb or making a sound. Tourette's syndrome is thought to be caused by developmental abnormalities in regions of the brain associated with control of voluntary actions. Caffeine is a stimulant on the nervous system and may make tics more pronounced and less controllable.
About Tourette's Syndrome
The uncontrollable tics in Tourette's syndrome can range from mild to severe. Very few cases involve the shouting of obscenities in public as portrayed in pop culture. Though an exact cause is not known, Tourette's is caused by an imbalance of signaling in the basal ganglia and other brain structures involved in voluntary action. Many neurotransmitter systems including dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, glutamate and GABA are involved in basal ganglia signaling, thus pharmacological treatment is complex.
Treatment
Treatment of Tourette's syndrome focuses on minimizing disruption of the patient's lifestyle. Pharmacological treatment of the syndrome is rare and limited to the most severe cases. Behavioral counseling and occupational therapy are very successful in Tourette's management. Those diagnosed with Tourette's commonly are also diagnosed with ADHD, learning disabilities, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety and depression, all of which must be treated separately.
Avoiding Caffeine
Caffeine interferes with signaling of adenosine in the brain that inhibits most neurotransmitter systems. In essence, caffeine use slightly increases signaling in the brain, providing alertness and energy. The exact way in which caffeine affects Tourette's tics is unknown, although a 2008 study published in the journal "Acta Paediatrica" notes an increase in tic magnitude and frequency with high sugar and caffeine intake.
Continuing Research on Tourette's and Stimulants
Stimulant medications have shown positive results in the treatment of other behavioral disorders such as ADHD. Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating the effectiveness of these prescription stimulants in the treatment of Tourette's syndrome. Despite the 2008 study, conclusive evidence of the effects of caffeine on Tourette's syndrome has not been demonstrated. The best course of action is likely to limit caffeine in your diet but not necessary to eliminate it completely, and to ask your doctor for her recommendations.
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