acquire by injury?

Is it possible to acquirE tourettes from a nerve damage/muscle injury?

[Christopher R Newey, DO]

Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.

Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.

Tourette’s syndrome is a disorder of tics. These can be eyeblinking, stretching of the face, shaking the head, sniffing, throat clearing, grunting, etc. It is more common in boys with onset usually between 2 and 10 years of age. ADHD and/or OCD may be associated with Tourette’s. The cause of Tourette’s is most likely hereditary involving alteration in the dopamine neurotransmission of the brain. It is not due to nerve damage/muscle injury.

I recommend that you see your primary care physician to begin workup for why your nerve is damaged and/or muscle movement.

Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.