Questions and answers on Tourette syndrome

Q: What is Tourette Syndrome?

A: Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by tics - involuntary, rapid, sudden movements that go off repeatedly in like way. The symptoms include:

1. Both multiple motor and one or more sung tics present at some time during the illness although not necessarily simultaneously;

2. The popularity of tics many times a hours of daylight (usually in bouts) nearly every morning or intermittently throughout a span of more than one year; and

3. The periodic translate in the number, frequency, type and location of the tics, and contained by the waxing and diminishing of their severity. Symptoms can even disappear for weeks or months at a time.

4. Onset before the age of 21.

The residence, "involuntary," used to describe tics is a source of confusion since it is known that most empire with TS do hold some control over their symptoms. What is not recognized is that the control, which can be exerted from second to hours at a time, only delay more severe outbursts of symptoms. Tics are experienced as irresistible and, as the urge to sneeze or scratch a mosquito bite, must eventually be perform. People with TS habitually seek a sheltered spot to release their symptoms after delaying them within school or at work. Typically, tics increase as a result of tautness or stress and decrease near relaxation or concentration on an absorbing task.

Q: How are tics classified?

A: The two category of the tics of TS and some common examples are:

Simple:

Motor - Eye blinking, manager jerking, shoulder shrugging, and facial grimacing.

Vocal - Throat clearing, bark noises, sniffing, and tongue clicking.

Complex:

Motor - Jumping, touching other culture or things, smelling, twirling about, and self-injurious appointments including hitting or biting oneself.

Vocal - Uttering ordinary words or phrases, coprolalia (vocalizing socially not up to scratch words), and echolalia (repeating a sound, word, or phrase only heard).

The variety or tic-like symptoms that can be see in TS is massive. The complexity of some symptoms often confuses line members, friends, teacher, and employers who may find it firm to believe that the actions of sung utterances are involuntary.

Q: Do people near TS have other associated

behaviors surrounded by addition to tics?

A: Yes, extra problems may include:

Obsessive Compulsive Traits, in which the character feels that something must be done over and over. Examples include touching an raise objections with one foot after touching it with the other appendage to "even things up" and repeatedly checking to see that the flame on the stove is turned off. Children sometimes borrow their parents to repeat a sentence many times until it "sounds right."

Hyperactivity and/or Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), which turn out in frequent people beside TS. Often children will show signs of hyperactivity before TS symptoms appear. Indications of hyperactivity and ADD may include: difficulty in concentrating; failing to finish what is started; not seeming to listen; person easily distracted; normally acting before thinking; shifting constantly from one pursuit to another; needing a large amount of supervision; and general fidget. Adults may have residual signs of ADD such as overly spur-of-the-moment behavior and concentration difficulties.

Learning disabilities such as dyslexia, arithmetic disorders, and perceptual difficulties.

Difficulties with quirk control, which may result, in infrequent instances, in overly aggressive behaviors or socially inappropriate act.

Sleep disorders, which are fairly adjectives among people next to TS. These include walking or talking surrounded by one's sleep and frequent awakenings.

Q: What are the first symptoms?

A: The most common first symptom is a facial tic such as fast blinking eyes or twitches of the mouth. However, involuntary sounds, such as throat clearing and sniffing, or tics of the limbs may be the initial sign. For some, the disorder begin abruptly beside multiple symptoms of movements and sounds.

Q: What causes the symptoms?

A: The lead to has not be definitively established, although current research presents considerable evidence that the disorder stems from the abnormal metabolism of at tiniest one brain chemical (neurotransmitter) called dopamine. Undoubtedly, other neurotransmitters also are involved.

Q: Is it adjectives?

A: Genetic studies indicate that TS is inherited as a dominant gene that may produce different symptoms in different domestic members. A character with TS have about a 50% unpredictability of passing the gene to one of his/her children. However, that gene may express itself as TS, as a milder tic disorder, or as neurotic compulsive symptoms with no tics at adjectives. It is now set that a higher than ordinary incidence of milder tic disorders and obsessive compulsive behaviors take place in the family of TS patients.

The sex of the child also influences the expression of the gene. The chance that the child of a entity with TS will enjoy the disorder is at least three times highly developed for a son than for a daughter. Yet only roughly speaking 10% of the children who inherit the gene will have symptoms severe satisfactory to ever require medical attention. In some cases TS may not be inherited, and is identified as sporadic TS because the cause is unknown.

Q: How is TS diagnosed?

A: The diagnosis is made by observe the symptoms and by evaluating the history of their onset. No blood analysis, x-ray, or other type of medical oral exam exists to identify TS. However, a doctor may wish to charge an EEG, CAT scan, or certain blood test to rule out other ailments that could be confused with TS.

Q: Is near a cure?

A: Not yet.

Q: Is in attendance ever a remission?

A: Some people experience any a complete remission or a marked upturn in their overdue teens or early twenties. Many of the society with TS receive better, not worse, as they mature, and those diagnosed near TS can anticipate a normal duration span.

Q: How would a typical case of TS be described?

A: The possession typical cannot be applied to TS. The expression of symptoms covers a spectrum from very mild, which is true of most general public, to quite severe.

Q: How is the Syndrome treated?

A: The majority of ethnic group with TS are not significantly disabled by their tics or behavioral symptoms, and in consequence do not require medication. However, there are medication available to help control the symptoms when they interfere next to functioning. The drugs include haloperidol (Haldol[R]), clonidine (Catapres[R]), pimozide (Orap[R]), fluphenazine (Prolixin[R], Permitil[R]), and clonazepam (Klonopin[R]). Stimulants such as Ritalin[R], Cylert[R], and Dexedrine[R] that are prescribed for hyperactivity may increase tics, and their use is controversial.

The dosage necessary to bring about maximum control of symptoms varies for respectively patient and must be gauge carefully by a doctor. The prescription is administered in small doses with gradual increses to the point where on earth there is a maximum alleviation of symptoms near minimal side effects. Some of the undesirable reactions to medication are muscular rigidity, fatigue, and motor restlessness, most of which can be reduced with specific medication. Side effects that include depression and cognitive impairment can be alleviated with dosage price cut or a change of medication.

Other types of psychiatric therapy may also be helpful. Psychotherapy can assist a entity with TS and his/her ancestral cope, and some behavior therapies can educate the substitution of one tic with another to be precise more acceptable. The use of relaxation technique and/or biofeedback can serve to alleviate stress reactions that rationale tics to increase.

Q: What is the current focus of research?

A: Since 1984, the TSA has directly funded noteworthy research investigations in a number of proven areas relevant to TS. Recently, studies have intensified to twig how the disorder is transmitted from one generation to the subsequent, and researchers are working toward locating the gene marker for TS. That focus have been enhanced by the pains of a TSA supported international group of scientists who have formed a unusual network to share what they know nearly the genetics of TS and to systematically cooperate to unravel the unknown. Additional insights will be obtain from studies of large family (kindreds) with numerous member who have TS. At matching time, investigators continue to study specific groups of brain chemicals to better infer the Sydrome and to identify new and better medications.

Q: How various people contained by the U.S. have Tourette?

A: Since abundant people next to TS have nonetheless to be diagnosed, there are no real figures. The authoritative estimate by the National Institutes of Health is that 100,000 Americans have TS. Recent genetic studies suggest that the amount may be one in two hundred if those next to chronic multiple tics and/or transient childhood tics are included in the count.

Q: Do TS patients have special instructive needs?

A: While institution children with TS as a group own the same IQ selection as the population at large, several have special teaching needs. It is estimated that oodles may have some kindly of learning problem. That condition, combined near attention deficits and the problems inherent in dealing near the frequent tics, often call for special educational assistance. The use of cassette recorders, typewriters, or computers for reading and writing problems, untimed exams (in a private room if harmonic tics are a problem), and permission to quit the classroom when tics become overwhelming are often conscientious. Some children need extra support such as access to tutoring in a resource room.

When difficulties in school cannot be resovled, an instructive evaluation may be indicated. A resulting identification as "handicapped" lower than federal law will entitle the student to an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to address specific academic problems in arts school. Such an approach can significantly reduce the research difficulties that prevent the young human being from performing at his/her potential. The child who cannot be adequately adjectives in a public arts school with special services geared to his/her individual wants may be served best by a special school.

Q: Is it considerable to treat Tourette Syndrome early?

A: Yes, surrounded by those instances when the symptomatology of the condition is viewed by some race as bizarre, disprutive, and frightening. Not infrequently, it provokes ridicule and rejection by peers, neighbors, teachers, and even indifferent observers. Parents may be overwhelmed by the strangeness of their child's behavior. The child may be threatened, excluded from ancestral activities, and prevented from enjoy normal interpersonal relationships. These difficulties may become greater during young adulthood, an especially trying period for childlike people and even more so for a personality coping with a neurological problem. To avoid psychological damage, EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT ARE CRUCIAL. Moreover, in lots cases it is possible to control the symptoms with medication.

Q: What kind of family services exist?

A: Local TSA support groups allow family to exchange ideas and atmosphere about their adjectives problems. Often family psychiatric help is helpful. Parents of a child beside TS have to totter a fine line between supportive and overprotection. They are constantly faced near deciding whether or not in no doubt actions are the expression of TS or a short time ago poor behavior. Parents then must determine the appropriate response. The child should be pressed to control what he/she can whenever possible, and to try to substitute what is socially acceptable for what is not. Parents are urged to make a contribution their children with TS the opportunity for as much nouns as possible, while gently but firmly limiting attempts by some children to use their symptoms to control those around them.

Q: How did Toureffe Syndrome take its name?

A: In 1825 the first skin of TS was reported contained by medical literature with a description of the Marquise de Dampierre, a upper-class woman whose symptoms included involuntary tics of many parts of her body and a variety of vocalizations including coprolalia and echolalia. She lived to the age of 86 and was described by Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette, the French neurologist for whom the disorder be named. Samuel Johnson and Andre Malraux are among the major people who are thought to hold had TS.

Q: What is the Tourette Syndrome Association?

A: TSA is the simply national voluntary non-profit membership mechanism dedicated to:

Identifying the motive;

Finding the cure; and

Controlling the effects of TS.

Members include individuals with the disorder, their relatives, and other interested and concerned citizens. The Association, which was founded within 1972, develops and disseminates educational matter to individuals, to professionals, and to agencies in the fields of strength care, lessons, and government; operate support groups and other services to help relatives and their families cope next to the problems that occur beside TS; and stimulates and funds research that will ultimately find the cause of and cure for TS while, at one and the same time, seeking to improve medication and treatments.

TSA also:

* Organizes workshops and symposiums for scientists, clinicians, and others working in the field of TS.

* Maintains listings of those diagnosed next to TS.

* Sponsors the Tourette Syndrome Brain Tissue Program involving brain banks on the East and West Coasts.

* Serves thousands of member throughout the USA.

* Increases the knowledge and sensitivity of condition care professionals to TS through exhibits at conferences, the dissemination of literature, and the group of national meetings.

* Develops and maintain state-by-state lists of doctors who diagnose and treat TS.

* Organizes and assists local chapter and support groups throughout the US and around the world.

* Represents the interests of members to the affairs of state on critical policy issues including orphan drugs, insurance, and employment.

Q: Why become a contestant of the Tourette Syndrome Association?

A: * To join other patients and family at meetings to discuss adjectives problems and offer mutual support.

* To give a hand effect the early ID and treatment of TS.

* To obtain, through the quarterly TSA Newsletter, the most recent information on treatment, research programs, and scientific discoveries.

* To receive discounts on medication through the TSA pharmacy service.

* To obtain films, videotapes, and publications at reduced rates.

* To support TSA programs surrounded by patient advocacy.

* To become eligible for discounted registration fees at TSA National Conferences.

* TO HELP CONQUER TOURETTE SYNDROME.

The Tourette Syndrome Association have an extensive list of publications that discuss surrounded by detail many of the topics touched upon surrounded by this pamphlet. Their titles are contained in the TSA Catalogue of Educational Materials.