Tourette+Syndrome

 ** __T o u r e t t e __ __S y n d r o m e __ ** __What is Tourette Syndrome?__ Tourette Syndrome is a neurobiological disorder defined by multiple motor and vocal tics*. //*A tic is an involuntary, rapid, sudden movement, and/or vocal outbursts that occur repeatedly.// Studies show that TS is inherited as an autosomal dominant gene with about 50% chance to pass it from parent to child. Sons are three to four times more likely to inherit TS than daughters. No definite cause has been discovered, but there is evidence that it could be because of an abnormal metabolism of one brain chemical called dopamine.
 * __How is it inherited?__**

Symptoms can vary in frequency, number, type and severity, sometimes disappearing for weeks or months at a time. This disorder has been characterized by tics, or involuntary, rapid, sudden movement and/or vocal outbursts that occur repeatedly. Some motor tics can include eye blinking, head jerking, shoulder shrugging and facial grimacing. Vocal tics can include constant repetitive throat clearing, sniffing and tongue clicking. In severe cases, fewer than 15% of all TS cases, show coprolalia which is cursing, uttering swear words, and ethnic slurs. Such vocal tics are uncontrollable, and they do not often reflect the true character of the person.
 * __Symptoms__**

The diagnosis cannot be shown through any medical tests such as blood analysis or X-rays. It is diagnosed by simply observing the symptoms and evaluating the history of their onset. The symptoms are usually most noticeable between ages 5-18 years.
 * __Diagnosis__**

Generally, people with TS lead productive lives and have a normal life span. Many people with TS get better, not worse, as they mature. Sometimes symptoms can completely remit in adulthood. Children with TS have the same IQ range as the population at large, but other complications with symptoms such as tics combined with attention deficits may call for special education assistance.
 * __Prognosis__**

There is no cure, but medications can help control the symptoms. Individuals react differently to different medications, which can range from anti-depressants to atypical neuroleptics and anti-hyperactive drugs, so it may take time to find the right substance and dosage for each person. Behavioral treatment may also be a helpful alternative.
 * __Treatment__**

TS often goes undiagnosed, so no exact figure can be given. However, estimates say that 200,000 people in America are known to be affected by this disorder. All races and ethnic groups can be affected.
 * __Stats__**

American goalkeeper Tim Howard who plays for Manchester United has Tourette's Syndrome. During his first year at Man. United his symptoms got worse because of the stress he was under.
 * __Interesting Info__**

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http://www.tsa-usa.org/Medical/whatists.html [] []
 * __Works Cited__**

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