Is it Tourette Syndrome? Your First Step

[Lala]

From my experience as a parent, I strongly suggest that parents
begin early on taking notes regarding your child's tics. There are
currently no blood tests or scans available to make a diagnosis, so your
physician relies very heavily on your input and this information in
making an accurate diagnosis. Not all tics are due to Tourette
Syndrome, so many parents are first told to take notes and return in a year's time.

Here are some ideas regarding what you should consider when
documenting your child's tics:

Make note of :
* when you first noticed your child having tics.
* what specific types of tics he/she exhibits (eye blinking, throat
clearing, nose scrunching, etc and if they are motor tics, vocal tics, or
both)
* how long the specific tic lasts (days, weeks, etc.)
* if your child's tics are produced one at a time, together, or both
* any possible triggers for the tics (stress, boredom, etc)
* any tic-free periods of time and how long
* how your child is dealing with the tics
* any other issues you have noticed in your child (OCD tendencies,
learning difficulties, anxiety, attention problems and/or hyperactivity )

You and your child will benefit from your preparedness for the initial
appointment with your physician.