Diagnosing Tourette Syndrome
Should I see a doctor if I am showing signs of Tourette syndrome?
Many people with tic or with Tourette syndrome really don't need to see a physician unless they're concerned of something else going on, or wonder what's the cause of their symptoms, but often times the symptoms are relatively mild, don't need treatment, and there's no intervention that's required. People, though, who are struggling with their symptoms - of the symptoms of tic (motor tic or vocal tic), are disrupted through their day; and I think it would be worthwhile to see a physician at that time and at least enquire about what is the diagnosis of this problem; and is treatment indicated for that problem.
What laboratory tests might be conducted on someone with a tic?
In somebody with typical symptoms, or history, the things that they describe or the parent's describe in a normal, neurological examination, other than, perhaps, the appearance of tic. I would not order any specific, laboratory tests. If I detect the things in the history that were of concern to me or other things on the physical examination, then I would allow those findings to direct any testing. But, routinely, I don't perform laboratory testing of somebody who has a typical history and examination consistent with that diagnosis.
What type of examination would a doctor perform on someone who might have Tourette syndrome?
The examination for Tourette syndrome actually starts when I'm talking to the patient or to their parents; I'm observing the person while they're not aware of being actively examined by me and during that time I may notice tics being evident. During a formal examination, I would do a regular neurological examination, which involves looking for eye movements, or facial expression, to see if they have any weakness in their face. For example, Test the tone in their limbs, and the power or strength in their limbs, tap on their reflexes, and watch them walk back and forth in the hallway. That's the complete neurological examination, and that's what I would perform on my patients to examin Tourette syndrome.
