by Angela Mcelroy

Created on: June 07, 2009   Last Updated: June 08, 2009

At least 100,000 Americans suffer from full blown Tourette's syndrome. Tourette's syndrome was once thought to be a rare and strange disease. However, it is now known to be more common. This disorder typically affects more men than women. Tourette's is a neurological disorder. Obvious signs are the characteristic tics that people with Tourette's syndrome develop. The first signs of Tourette's appear during childhood. The disease not only affects the these children mentally and physically but can affect them socially. It is difficult for many people to understand this disease causing those who suffer from Tourette's to withdraw socially.

This disease was named for Dr. George Gilles de la Tourette, a French neurologist. He first described the disease in a noblewoman in 1885. This woman had suffer involuntary movements of her hands and arms beginning at the age of seven. With the progression of the disease she would scream or say things that did not make sense during conversations. Dr. Tourette wrote about her and eight others in an article he authored.

The symptoms associated with Tourette's syndrome most often begin to appear before the age of 18. The disease does not discriminate. It can be found in all ethnic groups. Some Tourette's patients have chronic tics or transient childhood tics. The first symptomsof the disease are commonly eye blinking, nose twitching, or grimacing. Some may make strange and rude sounds, words, phrases, or may even bark. Some Tourette's sufferers may scream obscenities or repeat themselves over and over again. In rare instances, some may bite their lips and cheeks, or even repeatedly hit their heads against hard objects.

There are two types of tics: simple and complex. Simple tics include eye blinking, shoulder hrugging, grimacing, etc. Complextics includes: jumping, smelling objects, touching the nose, or even touching other people. Some cases of obsessive compulsive disorder and attention deficit disorder can be attributed to Tourette's syndrome.

There is no cure for Tourette's syndrome and it is thought to be inherited. The gene affects the neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and serotonin. There is a 50-50 chance of passing on the gene that causesTorette's syndrome. However, the offspring may not have full blown Tourette's but a milder case. Gender does play a role in the passing of the gene. A male child is more likely to get the disease than the female offspring. There is no cure for the disease. Most people do not need medication for the disease. There are some who use medication such as halperidol and pimozide to control the frequency and intensity of the tics.

Source:

www.healthnewsflash.com

Learn more about this author, Angela Mcelroy.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.