Aug

20

Define: Tourette Syndrome

Posted by preciouschild

August 20, 2008 |

Tourette Syndrome is also referred to as Tourette’s Disorder, Tourette’s, and sometimes Tourette Spectrum Disorder.

(information taken from www.tourettes-disorders.com)

“Tourette Syndrome was considered rare and exotic at one time (however now,) Tourette’s syndrome is a relatively common childhood-onset disorder defined by persistent motor and vocal tics and frequently associated with obsessions, compulsions, and attentional difficulties.”
- James F. Leckman, Donald J. Cohen of the Yale Child Study Center.

Tourette Syndrome is best defined in the archives and pages of neurological conditions, syndromes, and disorders. Initially Tourette Syndrome was seen as extremely rare and an individual was viewed as having violent muscle contortions (motor tics) and vocal disruptions (vocal tics) combined with outburst of swearing and obscenities. (Tourette history) However Dr. David E. Comings writes in Tourette Syndrome and Human Behaviour, “…Tourette Syndrome is one of the most common genetic conditions affecting humanity and many more carry the trait.”

Tourette Syndrome - Tourette’s Disorder is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary body movements and vocal outbursts (Tics) for at least 12 months.

Note: There are no longer any requirements for severity or impairment.

The reason for having the tics for at least 12 months is specified is because transient tics – a brief period or one-off episode of tics – are really common in children (occurring in around ten per cent) and these people get better.

Tourette Syndrome is named after a French physician, Georges Gilles de la Tourette, who first described Tourette it in 1885. Tourette Syndrome commonly appears in childhood, more often in males than females, and may worsen thereafter or subside.  The absolute cause of Tourette Syndrome is unknown, nonetheless many theories and advanced information has increased considerably since 1885.

No cure yet exists, but symptoms are often treatable with various medications, behavioural therapy and alternative treatments. It should be noted that there is not any peer reviewed scientific evidence, yet, of success with “alternative therapies.” Even results of behavioural therapy are unclear long-term, and are going to be studied on a well-designed TSA grant possibly starting in 2004.

The “tics” symptoms involving Tourette Syndrome are known to temporarily aggravate with increased stress. Also the tics can wax and wane or come and go through out the patient’s life.  It is also normal for the tics to change and return. Some of the Tourette tics can be suppressed for small periods of time, however generally return with greater aggravation. It should also be noted that most persons with Tourette Syndrome do not require medication for their tics.

On a Personal Note:

You have become familiar with my son, Carter, in my writings who has Tourette’s and has been on medication (Risperdal) for going on 7 years. His illness is predominantly characterized by tics, with anxiety and depression components. We are homeschooling this year with the intent of reducing his dependency on medication as home is a far less stressful environment than school. Children can be very cruel, and the megaschools which are the norm offer choice opportunities for bullying to occur (but more on that later). As with all special needs, parents must help their children hone individual talents and skills for the sake of their mental well-being.

 


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