Contents
1. What is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological condition typically starting in childhood, marked by involuntary movements or sounds known as tics. These include motor tics (e.g., eye blinking, head jerking) and vocal tics (e.g., coughing, meaningless sounds). Tics vary from simple to complex, like jumping or repeating words. TS, rooted in brain dysfunction rather than psychological issues, often appears between ages 5–7, peaks at 8–12, and may lessen with age.
2. Causes of Tourette Syndrome
While the precise cause remains unclear, contributing factors include:
- Genetics: A family history of TS or tics increases risk.
- Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Abnormal dopamine levels may trigger tics.
- Brain Dysfunction: Issues in areas like the basal ganglia affect motor control.
- Environmental Triggers: Stress, trauma, or infections may worsen symptoms.
Though more manageable than curable, TS patients can thrive with proper support. Standard treatments include behavioral therapy (CBIT), medications like Aripiprazole, or, in severe cases, deep brain stimulation. However, non-drug options like chiropractic care are gaining attention for their safety and potential.
3. Research on Chiropractic for TS
Case studies highlight chiropractic’s benefits for TS:
3.1 Brain-Based Model (2013)
A 15-year-old with TS, ADHD, OCD, and migraines received chiropractic care and motor exercises for 19 weeks:
- Health issues dropped from 21 to 2.
- Tics nearly vanished, concentration improved, migraines resolved.
3.2 Pierce Results System (2013)
A 14-year-old with over 1,000 daily tics and migraines underwent 30 sessions over five months:
- Tics reduced to 30–35 daily.
- Migraines resolved.
- Medications (Ibuprofen, Abilify, Orap) were reduced or stopped.
3.3 Chiropractic BioPhysics (CBP)
A 2021 study by Oakley et al. described a 19-year-old with TS. After 81 CBP sessions over three months:
- Cervical curvature improved (4° kyphosis to 16° lordosis).
- Humpback posture reduced (46mm to 24mm).
- Tic severity dropped 50% (YGTSS scale).
- Haloperidol was discontinued.
Benefits persisted after 13 years.
4. Case Study: Nguyen Tran Bao Long at ACC Chiropractic Clinic
At ACC Chiropractic Clinic, a child with severe TS showed remarkable progress under Dr. Marc Tafuro’s chiropractic care. The parent reported:
“From the first session, my son’s facial and body tics improved slightly. By the second session, jerking reduced significantly, and by the third, symptoms nearly disappeared. He’s now more active, happier, and mentally at ease.”
The child returned home healthy for summer vacation, with the family expressing gratitude to Dr. Marc and the ACC team.
While larger studies are needed Chiropractic holds promise as a supportive treatment for Tourette Syndrome, offering a non-invasive approach to improving symptoms and quality of life.
