Definition:
Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome is one of the tic disorders, characterized by numerous physical tics, and at least one vocal tic. It is hereditary neuropsychiatric condition, which begins in early childhood.
Diagnosis:
Due to the wide spectrum of severity, no screening or medical tests are used to diagnose Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome. Instead, the disorder may be diagnosed when a patient possesses both the vocal and motor tic, and the time interval without tics not lasting for more than 3 months in a period of a year.
Treatment:
There is no known cure for Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome; but there is, however, treatment available that may alleviate the most severe symptoms of an individual which interferes in his ability to function in his daily life. These include psychological and educational interventions, and in severe cases, medication. Pimozide, haloperidol, tiapride, and sulpiride are effective medications used to alleviate tics.
Symptoms and Signs:
The symptoms of Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome can range from mild to severe but are all characterized by involuntary body movements. Its primary symptoms are classified into behavioral, motor, and vocal manifestations. These include kicking, arm thrusting, shrugging, eye blinking, jumping, and shouting. Additionally, the symptoms vary over time, in terms of frequency as well as severity. The tics, primary symptoms of the condition, usually occur in short stretches but in higher frequency.
Causes:
The environment and genetics play a significant role in the cause of Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome, although the exact cause remains to be unknown. And despite the fact that it is known to be inherited for a majority of the cases, the exact gene responsible for causing the disorder is also unknown.
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