SYMPTOMS

The motor tics are involuntary muscle movements such as twitches in the eyes and face, twitching with limbs and the like. The vocal tics are unintentional sounds or words such as unarticulated, sudden sounds, hum, snort, grunt or howl, but also as e.g. parrot speech in which the child repeats what the other party says. More than half of children with Tourette’s syndrome often have a psychiatric condition at the same time, usually ADHD. In addition, about a quarter suffer from obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and an increased incidence of Asperger’s syndrome and winter depression. There is a tendency for the involuntary movements and sounds to increase when one is under pressure. Tics can be suppressed or diminished by strong concentration, but prolonged suppression of tics can provide an inner tension that can lead to more dramatic tics or outbursts of tics.

People with Tourette’s syndrome are usually gifted, but the motor and vocal tics can give rise to misunderstandings, and Tourette’s children can be unknowingly easily labelled as naughty and poorly educated.

In most people, tics become less pronounced with age or disappear completely, while companion problems such as ADHD or OCD continue in much of adulthood. In some, the disease is lifelong. The condition occurs around the age of 7 and reaches its maximum in 1 4-15 years of age. In half, it disappears at the age of 1 8. This course reflects disturbances in the maturation of a specific part of the brain called the basal ganglia.

TREATMENT IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM

Some children may benefit from behavioural therapy, and if the symptoms are experienced as very bothersome by the child, there are medications that can slow down the movements. Emphasis is placed on the social pedagogical work and often schools and institutions must be involved in supporting the child and the family.

CAUSE

The cause of Tourette’s is not yet known with certainty, but there are many indications that the disease is hereditary and that more genes are needed for the disease to break out. However, it is known that a malfunction occurs associated with parts of the anterior cerebral lobe and the upper part of the brainstem. This malfunction gives rise to a chemical imbalance within these areas.

NORDIC CLINICS TREATMENT

At Nordic Clinic, we work to identify possible causes of Tourette’s symptoms and we are based on the individual’s unique biochemical composition. Our experience shows that the intestinal function of some plays a significant role. Therefore, we recommend various laboratory tests, where, among other things, microflora, digestive markers and immune function are examined. For example, a urine sample can assess the formation of neuropeptides from milk and gluten, which in some people may aggravate the occurrence of tics. In addition, the body’s detoxification functions may be affected and the supportive measures may become the focal point. Issues such as these are dealt with dietary changes, dietary supplements as well as advice and guidance for lifestyle initiatives.