Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a chronic, usually life-long, neurobiologically-based, medical condition characterized by involuntary movements (motor tics) and sounds (vocal tics). Both motor and vocal tics must be present for at least one year for the diagnosis of TS to be made. TS typically appears during childhood, sometimes as early as age two, but usually during the early school age years (around age 7). It rarely begins after young adulthood.

Once thought to be rare, TS is now recognized as relatively common among inherited disorders. In its complete form it may affect up to 1 person in every 2,500, with perhaps 3 times that number showing partial expressions such as chronic motor tics, obsessive or compulsive traits, or problems with distractibility and hyperactivity.

TS is not a degenerative disorder; individuals with TS can expect to live a normal life span. Although the condition is lifelong and chronic, symptoms often become milder during the adult years. Most adults with TS live well-adjusted, productive lives. In some instances complete remission of symptoms occurs after adolescence.

In most cases, TS is a genetically-medicated biological disorder of brain development and function. However, the severity of this genetic expression varies greatly from one generation to another.

Information from www.aacap.org/clinical/benetour.htm

This set of links is targeted at helping you to answer questions you may first have when you begin to suspect someone has TS and when you've just learned of a diagnosis of TS. This includes questions such as:

• What is Tourette Syndrome?

Symptoms
Severity
Patient Evaluation
Treatment
Insurance coverage and reimbursement
click here

• Why is it Called Tourette Syndrome?

Fast Facts
Tics
Diagnosis
Do all people with tics have Tourette Syndrome?
What about medication?
click here

• Does my child have a tic disorder?

Are there treatments available?
Are treatments necessary?
click here

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Published on: 2003-05-26 (1866 reads)