Tourette’s syndrome is a condition that causes individuals to struggle with suppressing certain movements, sounds, or ritualistic behaviors. The precise cause of Tourette’s is not fully understood, but it is generally agreed to be the result of some biological imbalances within the brain. It appears to have some genetic/hereditary element and can also potentially be triggered by highly stressful events. It may also be brought about by immune disorders, or even medications.
Tourette’s is more common in boys than in girls by a ratio of five to one. It is also most likely to affect younger children, though it can continue to any age.
While Tourette’s can be a condition in itself, tics can also be symptoms of a range of other conditions. Often, those with autism or Asperger’s for instance will demonstrate tics. Likewise, other involuntary movements such as those caused by RLS can be mistaken for tics.
In this post, we will look at ten common tics that are associated with Tourette’s specifically.
1. Blinking
When you think of Tourette’s, you may think of someone swearing loudly or making large movements that draw attention to themselves. However, motor tics (movement tics) can often be much more subtle and may even go unnoticed. One of the most common of such tics is a repetitive blinking. This might be a succession of quick, slight blinks, or it might be larger, more exaggerated motions that look like scrunching up the eyes.
Often young children will develop eye blinking which will later clear up as they get older. This can also simply form as a ‘nervous habit’. If we blink when we feel anxious or awkward, then it can eventually become a habit that is hard to break.
