Medical cannabis is gaining attention as a potential option for managing symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome, a condition characterised by repetitive, involuntary movements and sounds known as tics.
For some, first-line therapies may not offer adequate relief, leading to the consideration of medical cannabis as part of a broader treatment plan.
The cause of Tourette’s syndrome is not fully known. It is likely that there is a genetic component to the syndrome as it is more common in relatives of another individual who is affected by Tourette’s.
Some studies have also shown differences in a brain signalling molecule called dopamine in people with Tourette’s syndrome. The significance of these changes or how these changes come about is unknown.
There are several physical and verbal Tourette’s symptoms. The syndrome is characterised by repetitive, involuntary movements or sounds called by tics that last for more than one year resulting in difficulty carrying out daily activities. Examples of common Tourette’s tics include:
Involuntary swearing is commonly associated with Tourette’s syndrome; however, it is only present in 10% of patients, meaning that its absence does not exclude diagnosis.
Tics are commonly made worse during periods of stress.
Other involuntary features may be seen in Tourette’s syndrome:
Tourette’s syndrome is diagnosed from speaking to a patient to understand their symptoms in full, however, other conditions may mimic its symptoms and it is important to rule these out with further tests if suspected.
A large proportion of treatment involves discussions with trained practitioners who can provide education and support to people with Tourette’s syndrome and their families.
Various psychological treatments can also improve symptoms for patients with Tourette’s including cognitive behavioural therapy, habit reversal training and exposure with response prevention therapy.
In addition, medication can sometimes help to reduce the frequency of tics. The most commonly prescribed medications are antipsychotics. Some patients with severe debilitating symptoms may benefit from specialist brain surgery.
Medicinal cannabis may also be considered when first line therapies have not achieved adequate symptom control.
Ongoing research into the use of medical cannabis for Tourette’s syndrome suggests that some individuals may experience changes in their tics and associated urges, though these findings are based on limited-scale studies. In this research, a subset of people living with Tourette’s syndrome using medical cannabis under clinical supervision have reported changes in control over their symptoms.
View our FAQ’s section and learn more about all the conditions that can be treatable with medical cannabis.
