Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome

Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome is one of a number of tic disorders usually first diagnosed in infancy, childhood, or adolescence. The Tic Disorders can be distinguished from one another based on duration and variety of tics and the age at onset. Tourette’s Disorder has duration of more than 12 months.

The estimated incidence of Tourette’s ranges widely but is probably four to five individuals per 10,000. It occurs two to three times more frequently in males. Undoubtedly, there are numbers of other students with symptoms who have not been diagnosed. When diagnosed and treated early, many of the associated learning, emotional, and social disabilities it produces can be lessened or dealt with more effectively. The goal of any program for a person with Tourette Syndrome is to assist the person in learning and interacting productively in school and society.

Toruette Syndrome is a multiple tic disorder, with motor and vocal tics present, but not necessarily concurrently, which begins in childhood and is a lifelong condition that seems to change in its manifestations and intensity.

The cause of Tourette Syndrome is unknown. The basic defect is thought to be a biochemical abnormality in the ganglia of the brain.

Diagnosis

1. Age of onset before the age of 18, usually between 6-7 years of age

2. Rapid, recurrent, repetitive, purposeless, and involuntary motor movements affecting multiple groups of muscles.

3. Multiple vocal tics (gr...