The Tourette Syndrome

Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (Tourette Syndrome or TS) is a neurological disorder which becomes evident in early childhood or adolescence between the ages of 2 and 15. Tourette syndrome is defined by multiple motor and vocal tics lasting for more than one year. Many people have only motor tics or only vocal tics. The first symptoms usually are involuntary movements (tics) of the face, arms, limbs or trunk. These tics are frequent, repetitive and rapid. The most common first symptom is a facial tic (eye blink, nose twitch, grimace), and is replaced or added to by other tics of the neck, trunk, and limbs.

These involuntary (outside the patient's control) tics may also be complicated, involving the entire body, such as kicking and stamping. Many persons report what are described as premonitory urges -- the urge to perform a motor activity. Other symptoms such as touching, repetitive thoughts and movements and compulsions can occur.

There are also verbal tics. These verbal tics (vocalizations) usually occur with the movements; later they may replace one or more motor tics. These vocalizations include grunting, throat clearing, shouting and barking. The verbal tics may also be expressed as coprolalia (the involuntary use of obscene words or socially inappropriate words and phrases) or copropraxia (obscene gestures). Despite widespread publicity, coprolalia/copropraxia is uncommon with tic disorders.

Neither echolalia (echo speech) or coprolalia/copropraxia is necessary for the diagnosis of Tourette syndrome. All patients have involuntary movements and some have vocalizations. Echo phenomena are also reported, although less frequently. These may include repeating word of others (echolalia), repeating ones own words (palilalia), and repeating movements of others.

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 (ADHD/ADD, impulsiveness (and oppositional defiant disorder), obsessional compulsive behavior, and learning disabilities. There is usually a family history of tics, Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, OCD. Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders occur in all ethnic groups. Males are affected 3 to 4 times more often than females.

Most people with TS and other tic disorders will lead productive lives. There are no barriers to achievement in their personal and professional lives. Persons with TS can be found in all professions. A goal of TSA is to educate both patients and the public of the many facets of tic disorders. Increased public understanding and tolerance of TS symptoms are of paramount importance to people with Tourette Syndrome.

The disorder was named for a French neuropsychiatrist who successfully assessed the disorder in the late 1800's:


Georges Gilles de la Tourette
Georges Gilles de la Tourette (born Georges Albert Edouard Brutus Gilles de la Tourette!) in 1857
was a French physician (today he would be described as a neurologist) who made several valuable contributions to medicine and literature. The first reported case of Tourette syndrome was by another
French doctor named Itard in 1825. Dr. Itard described the case of Marquise de Dampierre, a woman
of nobility who was quite an important person in her time. In 1885 Dr. de la Tourette described nine patients with the syndrome of multiple motor and vocal tics. His major contribution was to define these patients as having a movement disorder that now bears his name.

Category:

Education

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• tourette
• syndrome

[brahud]

I have found out my son has tourette's syndrome. He is very gifted as this gentleman (intellectually). Sometimes, deficiencies or differences in one are can create gifts in other areas. I know a lot of normal people who haven't been able to finish highschool but this guy is a doctor (consequently with Tourette's)....great video!

[yamahapianoman]

I am VERY confused about how this seemingly educated man, with Tourette's can say that TS is caused by a "lack" of dopamine in the brain. Every study published has stated, very clearly, that TS is caused by an elevated level of dopamine in the brain. Thus, most treatments include dopamine inhibitors. Beware folks, and read up. This is a very misunderstood syndrome with little headway to treat symptoms.

[MrNDUDE16]

Holy mother fucker shit

[0nlyM9]

My son was diagnosed with TS. This guy is spot on ... it is the lack of dopamine. I have been giving my son meds to stimulate dopamine production ... not only does it control the TICS it also help eliminate OCD symptoms. This particular drug is not commonly used to control tourette syndrome and would be frowned upon by most. My son also has a touch of aspergers ... at this point I am willing to try many different things to give my child a somewhat normal life.

[nanaelijahsmom]

for all of those with tourettes... my son has tourettes and he just began a treatment with an appliance created by dr. sims and it works by realigning the jaw in the proper position and it works!!!! my sons tics immediatly subsided. view on you tube dr. sims and different treatment for it. My son is no longer on medication and is doing wonderful!

[andersk92]

lol I have motor tourretes (as in I dont shout but I tense up and stuff) and it only comes out when im excited about something or I'm watching something exciting and I'm in a familiar relaxed area like home for example. just finished watching the green hornet, maaan in the fight scenes my body was more tense than joseph fritzell on an episode of cribs!

[EmoPrincessRawr]

I tense up my muscles a lot and I can't control it. I also blink my eyes like... weirdly. Idk how to explain it. I also stutter a lot, but I only realize it when people point it out to me that I'm doing it.

[chrisstevensjunior]

@brahud can that apply to ADHD guys like my friend

[conanobrianvomit]

@brahud FUCK!

[JonahTorn]

Since when is the lack of dopamine proven for certain? I used to read material that indicated there was an unusual reaction to or an excess of dopamine. I have even heard of dopamine blockers used (with drugs that are not intended for Tourette Syndrome since there is no drug just for Tourette Syndrome).

[zilvee]

BOB SAGGET



[hotchicky8]

@BryceVandergriftsMoM Yes I have many more tics. Motor and vocal. not only do I swear but I also make loud humming sounds aswell. The motor tics I have is shrugging my right shoulder, squinting my right eye and if I am on the computer I slam the mouse (right hand). They have changed over the years though. My TS is very server. I take medication now (Orap/Pimozide) that really helps. I have to be very careful with the swearing around my daughter. I also have OCD aswell.