What is Tourette Syndrome (TS) ?
Some people think it just means people who swear in public. In fact, it's a condition to do with the body's nervous system.
It affects about 1% of the population.
Some people have very mild symptoms, whereas others have very severe symptoms.
What are the symptoms?
The most common symptoms are quick, repetitive sudden movements called tics.
Tics, which can be physical or saying things, include:
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Shoulder shrugging
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Eye blinking
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Tongue clicking
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Sniffing
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Jumping
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Twirling about
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Saying random words
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Swearing
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Repeating a sound or word just heard
Very occasionally people with TS might bite or hit themselves.
Who gets it?
Sometimes it's inherited from parents but it one of your parents has it, it doesn't mean you'll have it.
Boys who have the gene which causes it are more likely to have it than girls.
TS may also just happen, that's known as sporadic TS.
What causes it?
The exact cause isn't yet known. But it might be linked to certain brain chemicals.
How is it treated?
There's no cure but it can be treated with relaxation therapy and sometimes drugs.
Sometimes it gets better with age and sometimes it disappears completely.
Most importantly, someone with TS needs support and understanding from family and friends.
It can be hard to deal with and they can be made fun of which is upsetting.
