Tourette Syndrome Research Paper

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So what exactly is Tourette Syndrome (TS)? This is a question that many may not be able to answer with confidence. Popular videos on the internet and shows on TV create an image of individuals with TS as angry, uncontrollable people. These people display periods of rage, yelling phrases, uncontrollable body movements, and shouting swear words. However, there is more to Tourette’s than just that. TS is a neurological condition which causes people to make repetitive, quick movements or sounds they cannot control. These movements or sounds are referred to as tics. Tourette got its name from Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette, a French neurologist who first saw the condition in 1885 in a French noblewoman. Symptoms of TS usually begin in childhood, around the ages of five and 10 years. Usually beginning with mild tics, Tourette’s is known to have increasing frequency and variety of tics over time. (Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet. 2013) …show more content…

Although there is no specific cause that has been discovered, many ideas do exist. TS is thought to be an effect of both environmental and genetic factors. On the genetics side of causes, no specific gene has been identified but genetic mutation has been acknowledged as a possible cause. On the environmental side of causes, brain abnormalities have been known to play a role. These abnormalities are certain brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters which include dopamine and serotonin. TS is said to be about four times more probable to occur in males than in females. Males are more likely to have chronic tics whereas females have more obsessive-compulsive traits. (Tourette Syndrome Fact Sheet.

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