Treatment:

Many patients with Tourette syndrome have very minor symptoms. In this case, they are not treated, because the side effects of the medications would be worse than the symptoms of the condition.

Doctors have prescribed medicines called antipsychotics to treat Tourette syndrome. These medicines can help control or reduce tics, but they have side effects such as movement disorders and cognitive dulling. Anti-epileptic medications are also used sometimes.

A blood pressure medicine called clonidine has been shown to help control tics. Another drug commonly used is tetrabenazine, but this drug is also linked to movement disorders as well as depression. Many other treatments have been tried with little or no improvement.

Support Groups:

Tourette Syndrome Association - www.tsa-usa.org

Expectations (prognosis):

Symptoms of Tourette syndrome can range from almost unnoticeable minor movements (such as grunts, sniffling, or coughing) to continuing, uncontrollable movements and sounds (vocalizations).

The symptoms tend to get better and worse. Symptoms usually get worse before the mid-teen years. Most patients improve in early adulthood. Although 25% of patients may be symptom-free for a few years, only 8% of patients have symptoms completely go away without returning.

People with Tourette syndrome have a normal life expectancy.

Complications:

Conditions related to Tourette syndrome include:

• Anger control issues
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Poor social skills

These conditions need to be diagnosed and treated.

Calling your health care provider:

Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have tics that are severe or persistent, or if they interfere with your daily life.