Tourette Syndrome: Tourette Syndrome (TS), named for Dr. Gilles de la Tourette, the French doctor who first described the condition in 1885, is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary vocalizations and movements of the face, arms, limbs, or trunk called tics. It affects approximately 100,000 – 200,000 people in the United States.
Tourette Syndrome appears in all ethic groups, and men are diagnosed 3 to 4 times more than females. The onset of TS usually begins in early childhood, between the ages of 7 and 10, and primary symptoms typically occur in the head and neck. Eye blinking, nose twitching, and changing facial expressions are widespread, but individual symptoms differ. In addition to TS, many children are diagnosed with other associated behavioral conditions, including ADD/ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and learning disabilities.
The cause of TS is currently unknown. However, research has shown that TS is inherited. It also suggests that abnormalities in basal ganglia, frontal lobes and cortex (regions of the brain) as well as the neurotransmitters may contribute to the disorder.
Treatment: Unfortunately there is no way to relieve this condition. Tourettes has no cure. Symptoms may come and go; however after the teenage years of development they may lessen. For a relatively small number of those diagnosed with Tourettes, all symptoms may disappear as they get older. For others, the problem may worsen later in life.
TS triggers vary, but tics can come about as a result of certain physical activity. Nervousness, agitation and tension can makes tics worse. Various audio experiences (for example, hearing a person clear his throat) may also affect tics. Tics usually decrease in power and frequency while asleep. Composed, single-minded activity is also beneficial.
Because the majority TS cases are classified as mild, most people do not require medication. However, medications are available for those people whose symptoms are severe and interfere with normal functions. No one medication exists that is helpful to all people with TS, but the most useful medications for tic suppression are neuroleptics. Other medications that may be prescribed include alpha-adrenergic agonists (which are primarily used for hypertension), stimulant medications (which lessen AHDH symptoms), serotonin reuptake inhibitors (which diminish obsessive compulsive behaviors), and psychotherapy (for secondary and social purposes).
Summary: Tourettes is a condition that induces tics in people. Tics may appear in the form of vocal expression or involuntary bodily twitches. Tics may affect any part of the body but most commonly begin in the head and neck region. The first signs of Tourettes may appear in children and for some, may fade as they grow older. While no cure is currently available, medications may be prescribed for symptoms that interfere in day-to day activities.
Although TS is a life-long, chronic disorder it is not degenerative. It does not affect intelligence. The majority of people with TS live a normal life span. They are able to hold down jobs and lead productive lives with no barriers to achievement.
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