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What
is Tourette Syndrome? [back
to top]
It is a neurological disorder characterized by tics -
involuntary, rapid, sudden movements and/or vocal outbursts
that occur repeatedly.
What
are the most common symptoms? [back
to top]
Symptoms
change periodically in number, frequency, type and severity
- even disappearing for weeks or month at a time. Commonly,
motor tics may be eye blinking, head jerking, shoulder
shrugging, facial grimacing. Vocally - throat clearing,
barking noises, sniffing and tongue clicking.
Where
does the name come from? [back
to top]
The
first case was reported in 1825 by a French neurologist,
Dr. George Gilles de la Tourette, for whom the disorder
was named.
What
is the cause of the syndrome? [back
to top]
No
definite cause has yet been established, but considerable
evidence points to abnormal metabolism of at least one
brain chemical called dopamine.
How
many people are affected? [back
to top]
As
Tourette Syndrome often goes undiagnosed, no exact figure
can be given. But authoritative estimates indicate that
some 200,000 in the United States are known to have the
disorder. All races and ethnic groups are affected.
Is
it inherited? [back
to top]
Genetic
studies indicate that TS is inherited as a dominant gene,
with about 50% chance of passing the gene from parent
to child. Sons are three to four times more likely than
daughters to exhibit Tourette Syndrome symptoms.
Is
obscene language (coprolalia) a typical symptom of TS?
[back
to top]
Definitely
not. The fact is that cursing, uttering obscenities, and
ethnic slurs are manifested by fewer than 15 percent of
people with TS. Too often, however, the media seize upon
this symptom for its sensational effect.
Do
outbursts of personal, ethnic and other slurs by people
with TS reflect their true feelings? [back
to top]
On
the contrary. The very rare use of ethnic slurs stems
from an uncontrollable urge to voice the forbidden even
when it is directly opposite to the actual beliefs of
the person voicing it.
How
is TS diagnosed? [back
to top]
Diagnosis
is made by observing symptoms and evaluating the history
of their onset. No blood analysis, X-ray or other type
of medical test can identify this condition. The TS symptoms
usually emerge between 5 and 18 years of age.
How
it is treated? [back
to top]
While
there is no cure, medication is available to help control
the symptoms. Among the drugs currently in use are haloperidol
(Haldol), clonidine (Catapres) and pimozide (Orap).
Is
there ever a remission? [back
to top]
Many
people with TS get better, not worse, as they mature.
In a small minority of cases symptoms remit completely
in adulthood.
Do
TS children have special educational needs?
[back
to top]
As
a group, children with TS have the same IQ range as the
population at large. But problems in dealing with tics,
often combined with attention deficits and other learning
difficulties, may call for special education assistance.
Examples of teaching strategies include: technical help
suchas tape recorders, typewriters or computers to assist
reading and writing and access to tutoring in a resource
room. Under federal law, an identification as "handicapped"
or "other health impaired" entitles the student to an
Individual Education Plan.
What
future faces TS people? [back
to top]
In
general, people with TS lead productive lives and can
anticipate a normal life span. Despite problems of varying
severity, many reach high levels of achievement and number
in the ranks as surgeons, psychiatrists, teachers and
professional athletes.
Click
here for examples of current and historical Success
Stories.
What
is the Tourette Syndrome Association? [back
to top]
The
Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) is the
only national voluntary health organization dedicated
to identifying the cause, finding the cure and controlling
the effects of this disorder. Its programs of research,
professional and public education and individual and family
services are possible through the generosity of donors.
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