TouretteSyndrome

=__**Tourettes Syndrome**__= //By Tela and Addie//

**What Is Tourette's Syndrome?**
Tourettes Syndrome also known as "TS" or "Tourette's Disorder," is a genetic failure, which has been characterized by unintentional movements called tics. It is hereditary, meaning it is descending by inheritance. It is an autosomal disorder (occurs because of an abnormal gene on a chromosome that is not a sex-linked chromosome)[|(source)]. Tourette's Syndrome was first diagnosed as a genetic disorder in the 1970's. This particular disease was diagnosed by an alteration in the general makeup of chromosomes. It is named after the French doctor, Georges Gilles de la Tourette. He was the first person to describe Tourette's in 1885 by writing an article on many individuals that had suffered from motor and vocal tics since they were children. Before Gorges Gilles de la Tourette it was a very rare disorder. In the century we are living in now it is a common disorder carried by many children. One in one thousand children are born with Tourette's Syndrome, and boys are four times more likely to have it than girls.

===**"Everything is extraordinary in this disease: the name is ridiculous, its symptoms peculiar, its character equivocal, its cause unknown, its treatment problematical." - Gilles de la Tourette**[|(source)]===



**What are the Symptoms of Tourette's Syndrome?**
Tourette's Syndrome is usually determined when the child is between five or ten years old, the only symptoms will be mild tics consisting in the upper body. But, when the children grow older the tics move throughout their whole body including legs. This particular disease is not contagious and people living with it should live a full life, and mental development should be the same as a normal person. The symptoms of Tourette's Disorder consist of tics, regular, motor and vocal.


 * **Regular Tics** || **Simple Motor Tics** || **Complex Motor Tics** || **Simple Vocal Tics** || **Complex Vocal Tics** ||
 * Jerking suddenly and uncontrolably || Uncontrolable face motions, shoulder shrugging, eye blinking, head jerking || Jumping and down, touching other people, spinning around, physically abusive || Throat clearing, tounge clicking, groaning, squealing || Outbursts of vulgar words (coprolalia) or repeating things (echolalia) ||

media type="youtube" key="SLTvH9S7bMs" This mini clip is from the show MTV True Life " I Have Tourette's." Alyssa has complex vocal and motor tics. Her constant jerking and abusive behavior is all caused by Tourette's. media type="youtube" key="sLHJBiF3mDM" These are a few young children who suffer from Tourette's Syndrome. They are explaining the disorder and speaking out.

**Is There a Cure for Tourette's Syndrome?**
Unfortunately, no cure exists for Tourette's. Even though there is no cure, tourettes can be treated. There are many medications offered, even though there is no and there is behavioral and physical therapy to help the outbursts of vocal and motor tics. People don’t usually have impairment as a symptom, so medications aren't always suggested. There are also many alternative treatments and therapies. Neuroleptics are what are mostly suggested, if there is need for medication, because they are consistent in working. Although, with these medications, unusual side effects can occur, such as twisting of posture, or different reactions such as outbursts or tics worse than before. There are benefits, and there are risks, to taking medications. Therapy is the best form of treatment, because it is safe from any side effects. Studies have occurred over the years, and there are many more to come as scientists try to research further on how to cure this.

**Bibliography**
[|Website 1] [|Website 2] [|Website 3] [|Website 4]

Discussion Questions: 1. What is the differencce between motor tics and vocall tics? Explain.

2. When was Tourette's Syndrome first diagnosed, and who diagnosed it?

3. Describe the different types of tics that occur as a result of Tourette's Syndrome?

4. Is there a cure for Tourette's Syndrome? Describe the different types of treatments that can be used to help this genetic disorder.