Symptoms of TS

Below is a checklist of some of the common tics that are symptomatic of TS. Be aware that children can often have an independent tic without having TS. Tourette’s is a combination of both physical (motor) and vocal tics that are involuntary and repetitive and that wax and wane over time. The tics have to have been present for at least a year before the age of 18 for a formal diagnosis to be made, however there is no pathway to diagnosis for TS currently in NZ, although we are working on this.

MOTOR TICS

SIMPLE:
Eye blinking or rolling; Facial grimacing; Nose twitching; Shoulder shrugging; arm jerking; head nodding; finger movements; jaw snapping; rapid jerking of any part of the body

COMPLEX:
Hopping; jumping; touching objects; twirling; gyrating; bending; head banging; kissing; licking; pinching; facial gestures

Copropaxia; echopraxia

VOCAL TICS

SIMPLE:
Throat clearing; coughing; spitting; sniffing; snorting; screeching; barking; grunting; clacking; whistling; sucking sounds

COMPLEX:
Repetition of phrases like ‘shut up’, ‘you know’ and ‘oh boy’; making animal noises; muttering under one’s breath; complex breathing patterns; stuttering; variations in speech like accents, loudness, rapidity, tones, rhythms;.

coprolalia; palilalia; echolalia

Getting a Diagnosis

Getting a diagnosis for Tourette's syndrome is crucial for understanding your condition, accessing appropriate treatments, receiving support, and ensuring that you have the resources you need to manage symptoms effectively. If you suspect you or someone you know may have TS, it's advisable to seek evaluation and diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional or specialist.

There are various benefits to getting a diagnosis of TS:

  • A diagnosis can give empowerment to the individual, providing a framework to better understand the reasons behind TS related actions and behaviours.

  • A diagnosis leads to support networks and can help you find the right path to effective treatment.

  • It allows you to communicate effectively about your condition

  • It is a reference point to understanding your rights and entitlements.

  • A diagnosis can help avoid discrimination and misunderstanding.

 The most common first step to getting a diagnosis is a visit to your family GP. Often a referral will be made to the local child mental health service, even though Tourette Syndrome itself is NOT a mental health disorder.

The referral to the mental health service is often made to diagnose the comorbid disorders that may be occurring along with the tics – most often ADHD, OCD, ASD, anxiety or depression.

Contact us at info@tourettes.org.nz if you have any queries or questions regarding a potential diagnosis