Tourette syndrome facts for kids
Tourette syndrome (often called Tourette's or TS) is a condition that affects the brain. It is usually passed down in families, meaning it's inherited. People with Tourette's have movements or sounds called tics. They cannot easily control these tics. Tourette's usually starts when a person is a child.
People who have Tourette's syndrome have a normal life expectancy. They also have normal intelligence.
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What are Tics?
Tics are sudden, quick movements or sounds. A person with Tourette's cannot easily stop them. They are not done on purpose.
There are two main types of tics:
- Motor tics: These are movements. Examples include blinking, head jerking, or shoulder shrugging.
- Vocal tics: These are sounds. Examples include sniffing, throat clearing, or saying certain words.
Tics can change over time. They might become more or less frequent. They can also change in type.
How Tourette's Changes Over Time
For most people, tics become less severe as they get older. It is rare for adults to have very strong tics. Many people find their tics almost disappear by the time they are adults.
A small number of people with Tourette's have a tic called coprolalia. This means they might say words or phrases that some people find offensive. This happens without them being able to stop it. It is important to remember this is not done on purpose. It is part of their condition. Less than 15% of people with Tourette's have coprolalia.
Living with Tourette's
Most people with Tourette's do not need special treatment. Their tics are often mild and do not cause many problems.
If tics are difficult, there are ways to help.
- Medication: Some drugs can help make tics less strong. A doctor can help decide if medication is needed.
- Therapy: Different types of therapy can help people learn to manage their tics. This can make living with Tourette's easier.
People with Tourette's can live full and successful lives. Many famous people have had Tourette's.
History of Tourette Syndrome
The condition is named after a French doctor. His name was Georges Gilles de la Tourette. He was one of the first doctors to describe the symptoms of this condition. He wrote about it in the late 1800s.
Images for kids
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André Malraux (center) was a French Minister of Culture, author and adventurer who may have had Tourette syndrome.
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Clonidine is one of the medications typically tried first when medication is needed for Tourette's. It is available as a pill or a transdermal (skin) patch.
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Tim Howard, described in 2019 by a staff writer for the Los Angeles Times as the "greatest goalkeeper in U.S. soccer history", attributes his success in the sport to his Tourette's.
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Samuel Johnson c. 1772. Johnson is likely to have had Tourette syndrome.
