Treatment for Tourette Syndrome – Symptoms, Causes, lifestyle Tips & Ayurvedic Overview

Abstract

Tourette syndrome is a nervous system disorder characterized by sudden, repetitive movements and vocal expressions that occur involuntarily. These tics vary in intensity and frequency, often changing over time. The tics usually emerge in childhood, typically between the age of 5 to 10 and vary in both intensity and frequency. Motor tics may include actions like blinking, jerking the head, or shrugging the shoulders. While vocal tics often involve sounds such as throat clearing, grouting, or repeating words. The precise cause of TS is not fully understood but it is thought to result from a combination of genetic factors and brain abnormalities. People with TS often experience co-occurring conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) , obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and anxiety. In this article we will discuss this in more detail with its Ayurvedic overview.

Introduction

Tourette syndrome (TS),also known as Tourette’s, is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that typically begins in childhood or adolescence. It is characterised by both motor tics, such as involuntary movements, and vocal tics, which involve sound like coughing, throat clearing, or facial movements. Tics are often preceded by a sensation or urge in the affected muscles, Known as a premonitory urge, and while they can sometimes be suppressed for a short period. They typically change in their location, intensity, and frequency. Tourette’s falls on the more severe end of the tic disorder spectrum. In the past, it was considered rare and was often associated with the uncontrollable outbursts of obscene language, known as coprolalia. However, it is now known to affect around 1% of school-aged children and adolescents, with coprolalia only occurring in a small percentage of cases.

Classification of Tics

1. Motor Tics

These involve involuntary movements of the body and can affect any part of the body.

They are further divided into

1. Simple Motor Tics

Brief, repetitive movements that typically involve one muscle group. Examples include eye blinking, facial grimacing, head jerking, or shoulder shrugging.

2. Complex Motor Tics

Involve coordinated movements or more complex actions, often involving multiple muscle groups. Examples include hopping, touching objects, or making repetitive gestures like clapping or arm movements.

2. Vocal (Phonic) Tics

These are involuntary sounds or utterances that can vary in pitch, volume, and type. They include

1. Simple Vocal Tics

Brief sounds such as throat clearing, grunting, sniffing, or coughing.

2. Complex Vocal Tics

These can include more elaborate sounds or phrases, such as repeating words, phrases, or sentences. In some cases, individuals may say socially inappropriate or obscene words (coprolalia), although this is rare.

Causes and Risk factor

The exact cause of tourette syndrome is not fully understood, but researchers believe it may be linked to several factors

Brain Areas Involved

• Basal Ganglia: This area helps control body movements. Problems here might cause tics.
• Frontal Lobes: These control muscle movements and other functions. Issues with the frontal lobes may contribute to Tourette’s.
• Cortex: This part of the brain helps different brain areas communicate. Disruptions here could play a role in the disorder.

Neurotransmitter Imbalance

Chemicals in the brain, called neurotransmitters, send messages between brain cells. A disruption in these chemicals, like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, may be involved in Tourette Syndrome.

Other Possible Causes (Not Proven

1. Difficult Pregnancy: Problems during pregnancy could increase the risk.
2. Low Birth Weight: Babies with low birth weight may have a higher chance of developing TS.
3. Head Injury: An injury to the head could potentially lead to tics.
4. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Poisoning from carbon monoxide could damage the brain, potentially causing TS.
5. Encephalitis: Brain inflammation caused by infection may also contribute to the development of the disorder.

Symptoms

1. Tics

• Tics are the main symptoms of Tourette Syndrome. They can be mild or severe.
• They can be motor tics (body movements) or vocal tics (sounds or words).
• Tics can get worse due to stress, excitement, sickness, or tiredness.
• Before a tic, there may be a feeling like tingling or tension that goes away once the tic occurs.
• Tics may be hard to control but can sometimes be temporarily suppressed.

2. Motor Tics (Body Movements)

Simple Motor Tics

• Blinking
• Making facial expressions
• Twitching the mouth
• Shoulder shrugging

3. Complex Motor Tics

• Grimacing
• Twisting head
• Hopping or jumping
• Twisting the body

4. Vocal Tics (Sounds or Words)

Simple Vocal Tics

Barking or yelping

Throat clearing

Coughing

Grunting

5. Complex Vocal Tics

• Repeating what others say (echolalia)
• Repeating your own words

6. Coprolalia (Swearing or Inappropriate Language)

• Coprolalia is when someone with TS involuntarily swears or says inappropriate things.
• Copropraxia is a similar motor tic involving obscene gestures.
• This is rare and not everyone with TS experiences these symptoms.

Other Associated Symptoms

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Trouble focusing, sitting still, and completing tasks (affects about half of people with TS).

• Anxiety: Feeling nervous or anxious frequently.
• Learning Disabilities: Such as dyslexia, where reading or writing is challenging.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Involves uncontrollable behaviors or thoughts, like washing hands repeatedly.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing Tourette syndrome (TS) typically involves a combination of medical evaluation, physical exams, and interviews to assess symptoms. Here are the main steps in the diagnostic process

Medical History

• Review of family history and personal history
• nset, duration and frequency of tics.
• Inquire about associated conditions (e.g., ADHS, OCD)
• Observation of Tics
• Motors tivs (movements) and Vocal Tics (Sounds) are observed.
• ics must have been present for at least one year
• ics usually begin between ages 5-10

Neurological Examination

Conduct a neurological exam to check reflexes, coordination, muscle strength, and sensory abilities.

Rule Out Other Conditions

• Ensure tics are not caused by other medical conditions, such as:
• ADHD
• CD
• Seizures or neurological disorders
• Medications or other factors causing similar symptoms.

Psychological Evaluation

ssess for co-occurring conditions (e.g., anxiety, depression, OCD, or ADHD).

Diagnostic Criteria (DSM-5)

• Multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic.
• Tics must last for more than one year.
• ics begin before age 18.

Symptoms cannot be explained by other conditions.

Treatment

Behavioral Therapy

• Habit-Reversal Training (HRT): Teaches individuals to replace tics with controlled behaviors.
• Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)
• Combines HRT and relaxation techniques to reduce tics.

Medications

• Antipsychotics (e.g., Risperidone, Aripiprazole): Help control tics by affecting dopamine levels.
• Alpha-2 Agonists (e.g., Clonidine, Guanfacine): Reduce hyperactivity and tics.
• Botox: Injections in muscles to reduce tics in specific areas.

Supportive Therapy

• Counseling/Psychotherapy: Helps manage stress and emotional challenges.
• Parent Training: Teaches parents how to support children with TS.
• Educational Support: Accommodations in school for children with TS.

Lifestyle Tips

• Stress Management: Reduces tics through relaxation and exercise.
• Healthy Routine: Regular sleep and routine can lessen tics.
• Surgery (Rare Cases)
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Used for severe, resistant cases.

Ayurvedic Overview

• According to Ayurveda, Tourette syndrome and its associated tics stem from an imbalance in Vata dosha and disturbances in Manovaha Srotas. Vata dosha, which governs movement, the nervous system, and motor functions, can become aggravated, leading to excessive neural activity and involuntary movements such as tics. This disturbance may arise from factors like chronic stress, irregular daily habits, improper dietary choices (especially cold and dry foods), and physical overexertion.
• When Vata imbalance affects Manovaha Srotas—the channels responsible for mental and emotional regulation—it can lead to heightened anxiety, impulsive behavior, and emotional instability, all of which are commonly observed in Tourette syndrome. The disruption in these mental channels also increases restlessness, further intensifying the severity and frequency of tics.
• An excess of Vata energy generates erratic neural signals, causing involuntary muscle movements and vocalizations. Addressing this imbalance through proper diet, lifestyle modifications, and calming practices can help regulate the nervous system and bring relief from symptoms. There are some Panchkarma therapies which can be also very helpful in managing this condition such as Shirodhara (Pouring warm herbal oil over the head), Nasya (Administration of medicine through nasal root), Abhyanga (Massage from Herbal Oil).

Herbal Remedies for Tourette’s syndrome by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified ayurvedic company. They provide a wide range of natural, herbal formulations to support health and manage chronic disease. Planet Ayurveda’s Formulations are 100% pure, natural, chemical free and safe to use. All their formulations  are prepared under the supervision of MD (Ayurveda) scholars. Their products focus on holistic care, addressing the root cause of ailments through personalised treatment, and lifestyle modification.

Product Description

1. Neurogenie Capsule

This capsule is a standardised pure extract of Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera). Herbs used in this formulation are known for their cognitive-enhancing, calming, and stress-reducing properties. In conditions like Tourette syndrome, these capsules can be beneficial as they help balance the Vata dosha, which is often linked to involuntary movements and tics. By supporting the nervous system, reducing stress, and promoting mental clarity, Neurogeine Capsules may help manage the neurological symptoms associated with Tourette syndrome.

Dosage : 1 capsule two times a day, with normal water after a meal.

2. Medhya Churna

This herbal powder is a blend of Vacha (Acorus Calamus), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Ajmoda (Carum Roxburghianum), Shwet Jeerak (Cuminum Cyminum), Sonth (Zingiber Officinale), Marich (Piper Nigrum), Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri). All these herbs used in this formulation are known to enhance brain function, reduce stress, and calm the nervous system. These herbs help balance the Vata dosha, which is believed to be responsible for involuntary movements and tics in Tourette syndrome. By promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and supporting mental clarity, Medhya Churna can help manage the neurological symptoms of Tourette syndrome and improve overall brain health.

Dosage : ½ tsp two times a day with warm milk. And scrub it over the tongue too.

3. Neuroplan Syrup

This Syrup is a blend of Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), Mandukaparni (Centella Asiatica), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus Pluricaulis), Jyotishmati (Celastrus Paniculatus), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Maricha (Piper Nigrum). It contains herbs like Brahmi and Ashwagandha, known for their calming and stress-reducing properties, which can help manage symptoms of Tourette syndrome by reducing anxiety and nervous tension that often trigger tics. Additionally, this syrup supports cognitive function, improves learning abilities, and nourishes the entire body as a Rasayana (rejuvenative), promoting overall well-being and neurological balance.

Dosage: 2 tsp two times a day

4. Brahmi Ghrita

This Classic Ayurvedic preparation is made with Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri), Vacha (Acorus Calamus), Kutha (Saussurea Lappa), ShankhPushpi (convolvulus Pluricaulis), cow’s ghee. This formulation primarily enhances cognitive abilities, learning capacity, and various other functions. It serves as a rejuvenator, nourishing and revitalizing the entire body.

Dosage : 1 tsp two times a day with warm water.

5. Stress Support

This herbal capsule is a Blend of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Tagar (Valeriana Wallichii), Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri). These are potent herbs that are beneficial for relieving stress, anxiety, and supporting the management of neurological conditions.

Dosage : 1 Capsule two times a day with normal water, after a meal.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations, often triggered or worsened by stress, anxiety, and imbalances in the nervous system. Ayurveda offers a holistic approach to managing Tourette syndrome by focusing on balancing the Vata dosha, improving digestion, and detoxifying the body of accumulated toxins (Ama). Herbal formulations such as NeuroPlan Syrup, Medhya Churna, and Neurogeine Capsules etc., along with lifestyle modifications, can help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function, offering potential relief from the symptoms of Tourette syndrome.