Tourette's Syndrome
Tourette's
Syndrome is an inherited, neurological disorder characterized by repeated and
involuntary body movements (tics) and uncontrollable vocal sounds. In a minority
of cases, the vocalizations can include socially inappropriate words and phrases
-- called coprolalia. These outbursts are neither intentional nor purposeful.
Involuntary symptoms can included eye blinking, repeated throat clearing or
sniffing, arm thrusting, kicking movements, shoulder shrugging or jumping.
These and other symptoms typically appear before the age of 18 and the condition
occurs in all ethnic groups with males affected 3 to 4 times more often than
females. Although the symptoms of TS vary from person to person and range from
very mild to severe, the majority of cases fall into the mild category.
Associated conditions can include attentional problems, impulsiveness and
learning disabilities.
Most people with TS lead productive lives and participate in all professions.
Increased public understanding and tolerance of TS symptoms are of paramount
importance to people with Tourette's Syndrome.
The disorder was named for a French neuro psychiatrist who successfully assessed the disorder in the late 1800s:
LINKS ON TOURETTE'S
Tourette's Syndrome a Home Page
