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Tourette
Introduction
Treatment
Prognosis
Research
Organizations |
Tourette
Syndrome
Introduction
- What is
Tourette Syndrome ?
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is an inherited neurological
disorder characterized by repeated involuntary movements and uncontrollable
vocal sounds called tics. In a few cases, such tics can include inappropriate
words and phrases. The symptoms of TS generally appear before the individual is
18 years old. Although TS symptoms range from very mild to quite severe, the
majority of cases fall into the mild category. The first symptoms of TS are
usually facial tics - commonly eye blinking. With time, other motor tics may
appear, such as head jerking, neck stretching, foot stamping, or body twisting
and bending. It is not uncommon for a person with TS to continuously clear his
or her throat, cough, sniff, grunt, yelp, bark, or shout. A person with TS may
touch other people excessively or repeat actions obsessively and unnecessarily.
A few patients with TS demonstrate self-harming behaviors such as lip and cheek
biting and head banging. People with TS can sometimes suppress their tics for a
short time, but eventually tension mounts to the point where the tic escapes.
Tics worsen in stressful situations and improve when the person relaxes or is
absorbed in an activity. TS is diagnosed by observing the symptoms and
evaluating family history. Tics must be present for at least one year. TS is a
clinical diagnosis.
Is
there any treatment?
The majority of people with TS require no medication,
but medication is available to help when symptoms interfere with functioning. TS
medications are only able to help reduce specific symptoms. Neuroleptic and
antihypertensive drugs can have long- and short-term side effects, and use of
stimulants is controversial. Relaxation techniques and biofeedback may be useful
in alleviating stress.
What
is the prognosis?
There is no cure for TS; however, the condition in many
individuals improves as they mature. Individuals with TS can expect to live a
normal life span. Although TS is generally lifelong and chronic, it is not
degenerative. In a few cases, complete remission occurs after adolescence.
What research
is being done?
Recent research had led to several notable advances in
the understanding of TS. TS is inherited from a dominant gene that causes
different symptoms from patient to patient, and the disorder is more common than
was previously thought. Research efforts include genetic, neurotransmitter, and
environmental studies.
Organizations
Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc.
42-40 Bell Blvd.
Bayside NY 11361-2820
tourette@ix.netcom.com
Tel: 718-224-2999 800-237-0717
Fax:
718-279-9596
This
information is available courtesy of the National Institute of Neurological
Disorders and Stroke. It is in the public domain and can be downloaded, reproduced,
or copied without permission. For more information go to
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorder_index.htm
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