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Tic Disorders & Tourette’s Syndrome

Oliver Sacks, the famous neurologist & writer, famously wrote about “Witty-Ticcy Ray” – a surgeon with Tourette syndrome. Not an uncommon neurological syndrome in children, tics are characterised by sharp involuntary movements and vocalisations. Tics are irregular, uncontrollable, unwanted, and repetitive movements of muscles that can occur in any part of the body. Movements of the limbs and other body parts are known as motor tics. Involuntary repetitive sounds, such as grunting, sniffing, or throat clearing, are called vocal tics.
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There is no cure for Tourette’s syndrome. Treatment is aimed at controlling tics that interfere with everyday activities and functioning. Sometimes, when tics aren’t severe, medicinal treatment might not even be necessary, rather counselling and therapy may help the affected find relief instead.
Treatments At Buddhi Clinic
Signs & Symptoms

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At Buddhi, We offer a comprehensive program of blended healing that brings together the best each discipline offers – from Brain Stimulation to Psychological Therapy, Ayurveda to Yoga, Cognitive Stimulation to Naturopathy, Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy Access Buddhi Services through Home Care, In-Hospital & Online models.
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Signs & Symptoms

Tic disorders usually start in childhood, first presenting at approximately 5 years of age. In general, they are more common amongst males compared to females.

The defining symptom of tic disorders is the presence of one or more tics. These tics can be classified as:
  • Motor tics: These include tics, such as head and shoulder movements, blinking, jerking, banging, clicking fingers, or touching things or other people. Motor tics tend to appear before vocal tics, although this is not always the case.
  • Vocal tics: These are sounds, such as coughing, throat clearing or grunting, or repeating words or phrases.
Tics can also be divided into the following categories:
  • Simple tics: These are sudden and fleeting tics using few muscle groups. Examples include nose twitching, eye darting, or throat clearing.
  • Complex tics: These involve coordinated movements using several muscle groups. Examples include hopping or stepping in a certain way, gesturing, or repeating words or phrases.
Tics are usually preceded by an uncomfortable urge, such as an itch or tingle. While it is possible to hold back from carrying out the tic, this requires a great deal of effort and often causes tension and stress. Relief from these sensations is experienced upon carrying out the tic.
Treatments At Buddhi Clinic

What are the different neurological disorders that we come across and how do we help our patients?

Over the years, Buddhi Clinic has witnessed numerous people come in with different symptoms related to a host of neuropsychiatric ailments. How has this trend changed and how do we help our patients get better? Watch the video to learn more.

Diagnosis

While the diagnosis is clinical, at Buddhi Clinic we use a combination of brain imaging, electrophysiology and blood tests to rule out reversible causes or other contributing factors. We also prescribe a thorough pre-rehabilitation assessment including an evaluation for co-morbidities (associated conditions) which will be required in all instances. At Buddhi Clinic our assessment includes standard outcome indicators for activities of daily life, quality of life, neuro-disability and mental health.
The criteria used to diagnose Tourette syndrome include:
  • Both motor tics and vocal tics are present, although not necessarily at the same time
  • Tics occur several times a day, nearly every day or intermittently, for more than a year
  • Tics begin before age 18
  • Tics aren't caused by medications, other substances or another medical condition
  • Tics must change over time in location, frequency, type, complexity or severity

Treatment

At Buddhi Clinic we study these disorders in-depth. Our founder served at The National Tourette Clinic at Queen Square for four years. Children with tic disorders often have comorbid problems – attention deficit & hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disorders, oppositional defiance, conduct problems and a range of behavioral issues. The problem is therefore seldom restricted to involuntary movements and gestures. From determining biological causality (such as Wilson’s disease) for the symptom, to combining drugs and non-pharmacological treatments, to achieve good outcomes in our Buddhi program, we at the neuropsychiatry center have demonstrable interest & expertise in supporting and improving the lives of our patients.
At Buddhi Clinic we analyze intellect, seizures and behaviour in tandem. Our Buddhi Clinic program addresses a gamut of problems – seizures, mood swings, acting out behaviors, delayed self-help skills, problems with emotional expression & socialization, etc. Apart from medication that enhances attention and memory, and improves overall behavioural issues, we have available a range of memory enhancement procedures including –
  • Neuromodulation (rTMS & tDCS)
  • Cognitive Stimulation Therapy & Behavioural Management Training
  • Holistic interventions that enhance cognition and improve behaviours from Ayurveda, Naturopathy & Yoga
To learn more, please read our story of how to manage Intellectual Disabilities in The Buddhi Book. Patients with intellectual disabilities may also present additional problems, like seizures and behavioral dysfunction in about 50% of cases. At Buddhi Clinic we analyze intellect, seizures and behavior in tandem. Our Buddhi Clinic program addresses a wide range of problems like seizures, mood swings, acting out behaviors, delayed self-help skills, problems with emotional expression & socialization.
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The brainchild of a world leader, the Buddhi Clinic combines modern scientific advances (Neuromodulation, Neuropsychopharmacology, Physical & Occupational Therapy, Psychological Therapy) with the wisdom of ancient medical traditions (Acupuncture, Acupressure, Ayurveda, Yoga, Naturotherapy Hydrotherapy, bud- therapy, Payneto-therapy to offer complete brain and mind core thot restores, rehabilitates and rejuvenates the individual.
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At the heart of Buddhi Clinic is integration. We firmly believe that putting a multidisciplinary team together under one roof, to care for you, is merely the first step. To be effective and add life to years, the team has to perform in synchrony. It is here that our unique world class model, developed diligently through years of painstaking research, comes into being.

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