cannabinoid spray reduces man’s tourette syndrome tics
nabiximols spray 'could be an adjunct treatment in ts for situations where tics are severely disabling.'
tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder that causes the sudden, involuntary production of sounds and movements known as tics. these tics, which begin in childhood and persist over time, can be repetitive and unpredictable, according to tourette canada . the condition typically manifests in early childhood and peaks in the mid-teen years with most patients experiencing an easing of symptoms as they enter adulthood. there is no cure for tourette’s and while the underlying cause of the disorder is currently unknown, it is believed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. most cases of tourette’s are not severe and patients usually do not usually require treatment when symptoms are mild.
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as there is no laboratory or diagnostic test that can confirm a tourette’s diagnosis, doctors rely on clinical criteria when evaluating patients. these criteria, according to the mayo clinic , include:
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recent research into the disorder has focused on producing more effective medication, with one drug in particular showing promise by reducing the number, frequency and intensity of tics experienced by study participants by an average of 30 per cent over a three-month period.
it is difficult to assess the rate of tourette’s among children or adults because as many as 30 per cent of patients may be unaware they even have the disorder , according to one study. others may choose to conceal their diagnosis because of the stigma that accompanies the condition, another factor that has resulted a lack of consensus among experts. what is known is that tic disorders, including tourette’s, are more common among males than females and more prevalent in children than adults. school-based studies estimate that around 2-11 out of every 1,000 students has the disorder, with some studies putting the highest prevalence among the canadian population at 3.8 per cent and the lowest at 0.1 per cent.
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tourette canada is a great place to learn more about the disorder and the challenges that may lie ahead of new patients. the site recognizes the need to support young people on a difficult journey and offers a virtual hangout where young patients can connect on a weekly basis to discuss whatever is important to them.
dave yasvinski is a writer with healthing.ca