Tourettes Awareness Day

Tourettes Awareness Day

Today is Tourettes Awareness Day. We seek this article to raise awareness for people who suffer from Tourettes Syndrome. More than 140,000 children suffer from a form of Tourettes. That number comes out to be 0.3% of the population.

What is Tourettes?

Tourettes is a condition in which people repetitively move, say phrases, and make noises uncontrollably. These movements are known as tics. The Mayo Clinic defines tics as “sudden, brief, intermittent movements or sounds.” Simple tics happen with one muscle group, while complex tics happen from several groups of muscles. The Mayo Clinic Defines Simple tics and Complex tics.

Simple Tics

• Blinking
• Head jerking
• Eye darting
• Mouth movements
• Nose twitching
• Shoulder shrugging
• Coughing
• Grunting
• Barking
• Throat clearing

Complex Tics

• Touching and smelling objects
• Stepping in a pattern
• Hopping
• Obscene gestures
• Repeating others’ phrases
• Swearing
• Using vulgar words

Prognosis

People who have Tourettes are able to lead relatively normal lives, with other people usually adapting to their behavior. Tourettes occurs in 4 times as many males than females. It is believed that Tourette Syndrome is a caused by environmental factors and genetics. If a family member has Tourettes, a second person is more likely to have it as well. There are some complications associated with Tourettes. These include; anxiety, depression, autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, ADHD, pain from tics, and possible learning disabilities.

Managing Tourette Syndrome

While Tourettes cannot be cured, it can be treated. The above complications can be treated with medicines and therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy and psychotherapy have been proven helpful in some cases. Having a support system is key to a person with Tourettes feeling comfortable.

Final Thoughts

Do you know someone who has Tourettes Syndrome? Do you have it? Did this article help to raise awareness for people who have Tourettes?  Is there a topic you would like us to cover in an upcoming blog post? Please take the time to check out our other awareness topics! Comment below!