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Question 82: Is there a form of TS with an adult onset? I've been struggling with an "adult onset tic disorder" for over 2 years now, both vocal and physical, quite a repertoire. Never a day without it, often dozens of events in a day. I won't go into all the tests and specialists ....I'm a scientist (biological microcopy) very much into leading a balanced life and alternative medicine, and have pretty much given up on websites, doctors, any type of treatment -- conventional or alternative -- this is just part of who I am now. Anyway, do you think that information, research, whatever, about TS can be relevant to someone who, by definition, can't have TS due to the age of onset? I also have a more direct factual question: Can the tics lead to other physical problems? My most common and violent tic is a snapping of my head straight backward. Often very vocal as well -- barking, gasping. Now my shoulders are sore all the time, diagnosed as "shoulder impingement syndrome" could it be related to my tics? Thanks in advance, G.M., ME., USA.

Good day sir!

Thanks for writing -- I hope I can help, but quite frankly there is probably little I can say that can compete with all of the benefits a "this is just part of who I am now" attitude can foster. I really must applaud you G.: the headspace in which you now live is a difficult place to find, particularly after only two years and particularly when you haven't found a name for your symptoms yet (although ultimately, as I'm sure you've found, a name for your difference doesn't matter nearly as much as how you react to and live with it). You should be proud of the journey you've traversed.

While no there is no such diagnosis for an adult-onset TS, I'm heartened to hear that you've been to plenty of specialists to eliminate the possibility of these tics being a result of, for example, a more sinister medical condition. To answer your question, yes I think that reading up on TS is still relevant for you: while a number of causes can lead to TS - like symptoms, ultimately TS-like symptoms are TS-like symptoms, and can benefit from similar strategies. Think of it this way; any given geographical destination can be reached by a number of routes -- road, detour, sidewalk, and cross-country. Regardless of the path each individual takes, once everyone reaches that destination there is little if anything to discriminate the means each took to reach that end.

Also, as I note in my most recent Disinhibited Thoughts (#20; The Big Family) there are a number of aspects to Living In Disorder that transgress specific symptoms. Regardless of the name that is ultimately chosen for your condition, plenty of information on coping (in the TS literature and beyond) can be relevant to you.

Can the tics lead to other physical problems? Absolutely. We use our bodies more, and more rigorously, than others do in a day on average. Hence ours will likely wear out and break down faster if we do not take preventative actions to avoid this. Chiropractic, for instance, has been vitally important in my not being twisted into an old, arthritic ball at age 29.

All the best to you!
Dr. Dunc.

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