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Chronic Motor Tic Disorder
I was diagnosed with CMTD when I was young. I'm not sure when, but I have a home video of myself at 5 yrs old having lots of motor tics. I am always reading up on it to find out what new studies are going on and drugs they use to help it. I have never been on a medication for it. My doctors always said it was not severe enough.
My question is about my symptoms. I understand that CMTD is specifically tics only not vocal... However the vocal tics listed on some websites are grunts, clearing of the throat (excessively) and contractions of the diaphragm. Now maybe I'm just worrying, but... If I have had the clearing of the throat for about a year (about every 30 seconds at least 3 days out of the week) and then off and on since then -plus- (even more often than the throat clearing) the contractions of the diaphragm causing involuntary grunting as well for about a year and then off and on...Do I still have CMTD? Do I have Tourrette's? Am I just looking into it too much?
My question is about my symptoms. I understand that CMTD is specifically tics only not vocal... However the vocal tics listed on some websites are grunts, clearing of the throat (excessively) and contractions of the diaphragm. Now maybe I'm just worrying, but... If I have had the clearing of the throat for about a year (about every 30 seconds at least 3 days out of the week) and then off and on since then -plus- (even more often than the throat clearing) the contractions of the diaphragm causing involuntary grunting as well for about a year and then off and on...Do I still have CMTD? Do I have Tourrette's? Am I just looking into it too much?
Apperantly I just had one! See, I bet that's not in the journals!
Of course, any drastic or noticable change should be reported and discussed with your sons doctor. Because trust me not seeing the progression made that first full blown episode quite embarassing! Trying to stay away from little old ladies, small children, or other patience isn't easy! I think when they see me trying so hard not to offend anyone, most people kind of figure it out. Believe it or not they usually try to reassure me that it's not my fault.
Patience, acceptance, understanding, information, support, diet, and monitoring are all we, (I) really need, but are essential. Like I said, it's very embarassing at times.
I wish you and your son the very best.
Sincerely,
policetac
Of course, any drastic or noticable change should be reported and discussed with your sons doctor. Because trust me not seeing the progression made that first full blown episode quite embarassing! Trying to stay away from little old ladies, small children, or other patience isn't easy! I think when they see me trying so hard not to offend anyone, most people kind of figure it out. Believe it or not they usually try to reassure me that it's not my fault.
Patience, acceptance, understanding, information, support, diet, and monitoring are all we, (I) really need, but are essential. Like I said, it's very embarassing at times.
I wish you and your son the very best.
Sincerely,
policetac
I'm 41 years old and was only diagnosed about a year ago. This wasn't until my tics became patterned, and dramaticly violent. Luckily, my vocal tic eruptions have been rare. (although violent)
Because adult onset Tourette's is very rare, I've tried to re-examine my lifetime for links back to childhood. In doing som I did notice these patterns. (Although not as easily noticable and therefore missed as the disease I have.) My parents always made me get a haircut when I'd tic my head. They thought my hair was in my eyes. But, with hindsight, I usually had pretty bad eyelid and eye crossing tics going on around the same time. Stuttering didn't appear until later, but leg and body tics were consistant. Again, my family simply thought I was hyper. My symptoms don't always necessarily accompany each other, Severity of the fit does seem to play a part in that though. It wasn't until later when my fits became so obviously violent that it was actually diagnosed.
I guess what I'm saying is that I've found this disease can change over time. My fits are luckily rare, but full blown. They haven't always been, and don't always go that far.
"OCD" or "tic" type behaviors be them vocal, physical, rythmic, etc are deinitely at least enough to require at least observation with an attention to some symptoms that may not exactly or perfectly fit the "norm."
Because adult onset Tourette's is very rare, I've tried to re-examine my lifetime for links back to childhood. In doing som I did notice these patterns. (Although not as easily noticable and therefore missed as the disease I have.) My parents always made me get a haircut when I'd tic my head. They thought my hair was in my eyes. But, with hindsight, I usually had pretty bad eyelid and eye crossing tics going on around the same time. Stuttering didn't appear until later, but leg and body tics were consistant. Again, my family simply thought I was hyper. My symptoms don't always necessarily accompany each other, Severity of the fit does seem to play a part in that though. It wasn't until later when my fits became so obviously violent that it was actually diagnosed.
I guess what I'm saying is that I've found this disease can change over time. My fits are luckily rare, but full blown. They haven't always been, and don't always go that far.
"OCD" or "tic" type behaviors be them vocal, physical, rythmic, etc are deinitely at least enough to require at least observation with an attention to some symptoms that may not exactly or perfectly fit the "norm."
Your symptoms sound familiar to me (the mother of a 19 year old with Tourettes). It sounds like your symptoms are present enough to merit a screening by a neurologist. Tourettes symptoms can wax and wane. Sometimes being tired or stressed can increase tic activity.
If it ends up you do have Tourettes, realize that it means you have had it your whole life. I know it can feel worse to actually have a label put to a nagging hunch, but getting support and help for it can balance that. I don't know that vocal tics vs. motor tics are any worse or different to deal with. I guess my point is that it sounds as though you have already managed to deal with it since you were five. Getting hooked up with a specialist can give you some options you may not have been offered before.
If it ends up you do have Tourettes, realize that it means you have had it your whole life. I know it can feel worse to actually have a label put to a nagging hunch, but getting support and help for it can balance that. I don't know that vocal tics vs. motor tics are any worse or different to deal with. I guess my point is that it sounds as though you have already managed to deal with it since you were five. Getting hooked up with a specialist can give you some options you may not have been offered before.
Unfortunately, there are no Doctors monitoring this site for info, but having raised a son with Tourette's Syndrome, this sounds to me like you had been misdiagnosed as a child and now you have progressed in the disease. All the vocal tics you talk about sure sound like Tourette's to me.
That's just my opinion. Please see your Doctor for another assessment.
Hugs & Prayers,
That's just my opinion. Please see your Doctor for another assessment.
Hugs & Prayers,
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