A doctor has provided crucial insights into the early warning signs of Tourette's syndrome in children, a neurological disorder that most commonly begins in childhood. This guidance comes amid heightened public awareness following a recent incident at the BAFTA awards ceremony.
Understanding Tourette's Syndrome
Tourette's syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by involuntary tics, both motor and vocal, that the individual cannot control. These tics are not a reflection of a person's beliefs or intentions. The disorder typically emerges during childhood, most often between the ages of five and seven, with symptoms generally starting subtly.
Early Signs Parents Should Watch For
Dr Suzanne Wylie, a GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, explains that early signs can be as simple as motor tics like:
- Eye blinking
- Facial grimacing
- Shoulder shrugging
These are often followed over time by vocal tics which might begin as simple throat clearing or sniffing. According to the NHS, symptoms usually start around age six and can become more noticeable around age ten.
Common Misconceptions Clarified
Dr Wylie addresses several misunderstandings about Tourette's syndrome:
- Media Portrayal vs. Reality: "One of the biggest misconceptions about Tourette's is that it always involves the dramatic or socially inappropriate behaviours often portrayed in the media; most people with Tourette's have milder tics and very many never exhibit the more complex vocalisations that people associate with the condition from television or film."
- Nature of the Condition: "There is also a misunderstanding that Tourette's is a psychiatric problem when in reality it is a neurodevelopmental condition, and whilst it can be associated with co-occurring conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or obsessive-compulsive behaviours, the tics themselves are not a sign of mental illness."
Factors Influencing Tics
When children are feeling stressed or excited, their tics can become more noticeable. There is also a strong genetic component to Tourette's syndrome, though not everyone who carries the genetic predisposition will develop the condition.
Treatment and Management
While Tourette's syndrome cannot be cured, treatment options include behavioural therapy to help learn different ways to manage the tics. If behavioural therapy proves insufficient, medication may be considered. It's important to note that while swearing (coprolalia) is commonly associated with the condition in public perception, doctors emphasise this is actually rare compared to other tics including blinking, whistling, sniffing, and repeating sounds or phrases.
The recent BAFTA incident, where campaigner John Davidson's involuntary tics were broadcast during the ceremony, has brought renewed attention to the condition. BAFTA has apologised to the actors involved, and Davidson released a statement expressing his deep regret if anyone interpreted his involuntary tics as intentional or meaningful.
