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Tics and Tourette Syndrome services offered in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Dana Point, CA
The tics associated with Tourette syndrome cause embarrassment and can sometimes be uncomfortable if your muscles suddenly force you to twist or bend. Our compassionate team at the Mind Health Institute, Orange County, are available to help if you or your child struggle with tics and Tourette syndrome. Their patient-focused care diminishes tics and improves your mental and physical well-being. Schedule by calling the office in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, or Dana Point, California, or requesting one online today.
Tics and Tourette Syndrome Q & A
What are tics and Tourette syndrome?
Tics — uncontrollable movements (motor tics) and noises (vocal tics) — can occur without pointing to any other disorder. However, they’re the primary symptoms of Tourette syndrome.
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that begins in childhood. Though there’s no cure for the disorder, many children outgrow their tics. Treatment helps them learn to suppress them.
What types of tics are caused by Tourette syndrome?
Whether tics are temporary or part of Tourette syndrome, they’re defined as simple or complex:
Simple tics
Simple tics are fleeting, repetitive movements, such as eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, facial grimacing, grunting, and throat clearing.
Complex tics
These tics involve several muscle groups working together. Your child could repeatedly twist, bend, hop, or walk in a specific pattern.
A vocal tic might prompt them to say words and phrases instead of making simple grunting sounds. Or, they might do several simple tics at the same time.
Coprolalia is a well-known but uncommon tic in which people blurt out socially inappropriate words. Another complex tic, echolalia, refers to repeating words or phrases of other people or those heard in songs, movies, TV shows, and books.
Echolalia is common in toddlers learning to speak. If it continues after their speaking skills develop, it could be a sign of Tourette syndrome or a developmental disability like autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Tics are also associated with anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
What triggers tics and Tourette syndrome?
Tourette syndrome tics often appear or get worse when you’re anxious, stressed, or excited. Wearing a necktie or tight collar or hearing someone clear their throat could trigger a tic. Some people have tics while sleeping.
How are tics and Tourette syndrome treated?
At Mind Health Institute, Orange County, the experienced team develops a care plan that can include:
Medication management
Medication reduces severe symptoms and could help suppress tics. Your child might also need medication to treat underlying conditions associated with the tics.
Behavioral therapy
Behavioral interventions focus on teaching children ways to manage their tics. For example, your child can learn to identify triggers and practice using relaxation techniques or an alternative behavior to stop the motor or vocal tic.
Call Mind Health Institute, Orange County, or request an appointment online today to learn more about tics and Tourette syndrome and get expert care for you or your child.