What Causes Tourette Syndrome Tics?

Does your child have Tourette syndrome? This nerve disorder causes sudden, uncontrolled movements or sounds, such as twitching their head, nose, or shoulder, sniffing, clearing their throat or coughing repeatedly, or other similar movements. 

Having a team of caring professionals to support you when you have a child with Tourette’s means you’re not alone in helping them as they struggle with a condition that can make life harder. 

Our board-certified pediatric neurologist, Dr. Charles Niesen, and our team at AMS Neurology in Pasadena, California, treat children with Tourette syndrome with compassion and expert care. 

What causes Tourette syndrome? 

Researchers don’t yet have clear answers to what causes Tourette syndrome. At this point, scientists believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors is at play. 

If there’s a history of Tourette syndrome in your family, the chances are higher that your child will develop the condition. There’s definitely a genetic component. However, researchers say there’s no single gene responsible for Tourette’s. The majority of people with the condition have no known relatives who have it. 

Preliminary research indicates that people with Tourette syndrome may have imbalances in neurotransmitters — chemicals that allow cells in their body and brain to communicate with each other. 

There may be abnormalities in specific brain regions as well. Some research ties pregnancy complications and factors such as low birthweight to Tourette’s. More research needs to be done for a better understanding of the condition. 

What triggers Tourette’s tics? 

You may have noticed that your child’s tics are worse at some times than others. The following are some of the factors that trigger the uncontrolled movements or sounds. 

Stress and heightened emotional states

Did your child’s tics get worse before school started this fall? Perhaps you notice your child’s movements or sounds get worse when they’re worried about an upcoming test or when they attend a social event where they feel out of place. 

Physical triggers

Your child’s tics can get worse when they’re tired or ill. Maybe your loved one has sensory integration disorder. Their tics may get worse when they’re irritated by a particular substance or smell. 

Even hearing or seeing you sneeze or cough might trigger the same type of tic in your loved one. If other children make hurtful comments about your child’s tic, drawing attention to it, their emotional reaction may make the tics worse. 

Being aware of triggers that make tics worse can help you and your child develop protective strategies to avoid them. 

Treatment for Tourette syndrome 

Dr. Niesen treats your child with Tourette syndrome with compassion. Medication often helps reduce the frequency and severity of their tics. 

Dr. Niesen teaches your child alternative movements to perform when they feel a tic beginning to occur. Stress reduction and mindfulness techniques can also help to lessen tics. If your child’s tics are severe, Dr. Niesen may recommend deep-brain stimulation to help control them. 

If your child has Tourette syndrome, call AMS Neurology or book an appointment online today for professional help.