Content Creator: Aman Sahva Content Editor: Shaan Ahuja Blog Designer: Nirvan Bajracharya Tiya’s unusual humming during class hours makes it uncomfortable for her teachers to move on with their lessons. Nate always jerks his head vigorously that people often consider as an attention-seeking trick. Xavier sniffs unconsciously at odd times, and those scenarios often embarrass him. Luke always tends to bite himself, and his fellow mates assume that as a weird self-harm habit. Well, Tiya’s humming, Nate’s jerking, Xavier’s sniffs, and Luke’s biting habits aren’t attention-seeking tricks or something unusual. Those are involuntary habits termed as tics. When these tics occur frequently, it is known as tic disorder. And when these tic disorders are at the extreme end of the spectrum, it is termed “Tourette Syndrome”. Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that begins in childhood or adolescence. It is characterized by multiple movements (motor) tics and at least one (vocal phonic) tic. Some common tics are blinking, coughing, throat clearing, sniffing, and facial movements. In the early stage, common tics appear throughout the year, and in the majority of the cases, it would be Tourette syndrome. To cure any disease, we should be aware of its cause. Although the cause of TS is unknown, current research points towards abnormalities in certain brain regions - the circuit that interconnects these regions and the neurotransmitters responsible for communication among nerve cells. There are no specific tests for diagnosing Tourette. In most cases, it may not always be identified, because most cases are mild, and the severity of tics decreases for most children as they pass through adolescence. It is awful that there is no cure for Tourette’s and no single “more” effective medication. Behavioral therapies are the first line of treatment. However, there are developments in the field of medication and treatment. When medication is used, the goal is not to eliminate symptoms. In fact, the lowest dose that manages symptoms without adverse after-effects often causes much more disturbance than the symptoms. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is one of the most valid options, and this is for people who suffer severe symptoms. However, the ideal brain location to target has not been identified as of 2020. Surprisingly, not everyone with Tourette’s wants treatment or a cure, especially if that means they may lose something else in the process. Assumptions It is often assumed that people with TS use obscene words on purpose, are short-tempered, and are attention seekers. Their tics can be controlled if they want to, and they lack an intellectual nature due to tics. Reality It is time to realize that not all people with TS have vocal tics that often lead to using obscene words. Rage isn’t a symptom of TS, and so, not all people with TS are irritable. People with TS often feel low and doomed; however, drinking or usage of drugs isn’t a direct effect of the disorder. Their life with tics embarrasses them, and they lose their self-confidence. Additionally, suppressing tics causes overstraining of muscles and nerves. TS doesn’t affect other parts of the brain, therefore, concluding that TS affects one’s intellectual part of the brain isn’t appropriate. Conclusion The only devils in the world are those running in our hearts. That is where the battle should be fought. We should come with a positive attitude to support and consider them as people among us. For that, an evolution in our thinking is inevitable, which will lead to a revolution of positive changes and possibilities. Most children and teenagers with TD suffer from bullying and harassment, which often leads to depression and a lack of self-esteem. It’s time we become progressive with our thinking and become more accepting of others. Sources: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Tourette-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet#top https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourette_syndrome#Medication https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8HtTb0Vk_o
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