Tourette Syndrome Essay - 1049 Words

Tourette Syndrome Tourette Syndrome, or TS, affects approximately one hundred thousand Americans of whom you will find in a variety of professions and social settings (7). It is a neurological disease which is characterized by repeated and involuntary body movements and vocal sounds. Before TS was known to be a health problem uncontrollable by the patient, it was seen as nervousness, possession by a spirit, epilepsy or simply as bad habits (5). Today it is known that imbalances in certain brain chemicals are what causes the symptoms of this disease. It is interesting to examine TS and use it as a tool for better understanding (in part) how, in what quantity, and at what level the brain (and the nervous system as a whole) contribute to†¦show more content†¦It was found that drugs which stimulate the production of the brain chemical dopamine can induce tics (7). Some ideas about how this is happening in TS victims suggest that there may be supersensitive receptors to dopamine in specific areas of the brain, and that this area under normal conditions would act like a brake on the movements made on purpose (3). Or, there just may be higher than normal levels of dopamine production and use in the patient. Still other scientists say that dopamine may not be the only chemical involved. They have also found differing levels of a chemical called serotonin in TS patients (where it was high) and unaffected people (where it was lower). Other theories include increase in red-cell choline, imbalance in central nervous system dopamine and acetylcholine, and motor movements originating in the anterior cingulate cortex (1). Locating the genetic basis of the disease can help doctors and scientists better aid in treating those with TS. While there is no medication which relieves every symptom of TS, there is the possibility of improvement if the patient does not have serious side effects to the medications, of which there are a variety (i.e. pimozide, risperidone, clonidine) (8). Researches have found that the drug haloperidol acts on dopamine and in turn calms the patient. Haloperidol works by blocking the receiving areas on receptor cells where dopamine passes on messagesShow MoreRelated Tourette Syndrome Essays1139 Words   |  5 PagesTourette Syndrome Tourette syndrome is an inherited severe neurological disorder usually occurring before the age of eighteen and is associated with a degree of facial and body tics sometimes accompanied by random declarations of phrases or obscenities (2,3). The facial and body tics associated with the disorder can be painful and even embarrassing. Involuntary body movements such as jaw snapping, gyrating, hopping, and obscene gesturing are to name a few (1). Tourette Syndrome was namedRead More Tourette Syndrome Essay612 Words   |  3 Pages Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by tics; involuntary, rapid, sudden movements or vocalizations that occur repeatedly in the same way. Diagnostic criteria include: both multiple motor and one or more vocal tics present at some time, although not necessarily simultaneously, the occurrence of tics many times a day (usually in bouts) nearly everyday or intermittently throughout the span of more than one year; period changes in the num ber, frequently, type and location of theRead MoreEssay on Tourette Syndrome2025 Words   |  9 Pageswhile, but eventually you give in† (Marlene Targ Brill 18). Tourette syndrome can be compared to poison ivy in some aspects. Individuals with Tourette syndrome have been suffering with tics and tantrums for hundreds of years, but today there are treatments that can help control the symptoms of Tourettes, allowing sufferers to live a normal life. The history of Tourette syndrome is very interesting. Hundreds of years ago those with Tourettes were thought of very differently all around the world. Read MoreTaking a look at Tourette Syndrome892 Words   |  4 PagesTourette syndrome (TS) is a disorder of the brain that is observed in people who have involuntary movements or vocalizations called tics. Named after Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette who first discovered this disorder, this French neurologist described a noblewoman who exhibited these symptoms in 1885. These tics could range from repetitive movements to inappropriate vocalizations. Early symptoms of Tourette syndrome occur in children at around 3 and 9 years and occur in equal percentages inRead MoreTourette Syndrome Essay761 Words   |  4 PagesSyndromes do not define who a person is. Tourette’s is a syndrome that affects a person’s compulsion control. 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Although despite the media?s fascination, Tourette syndrome is notRead MoreExploring the Disorder, Tourette Syndrome Essay674 Words   |  3 PagesTourette syndrome is a neurological disorder first described by a French physician named Georges Gilles de la Tourette, in 1885. Tourette syndrome (TS) consists of varies abrupt, rapid, involuntary, and repeated movements or vocal sounds, known as tics. â€Å"Until 1970, TS was frequently misdiagnosed as schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, epilepsy, or nervous habits,† concluding that this mental disorder is extremely rare and has similar ch aracteristics as other mental disorders (Kahn and FawcettRead MoreEssay on Ticcing Away: Tourette Syndrome3162 Words   |  13 Pagesnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;â€Å"Tourette Kids† Sometimes we are happy Sometimes we are sad Sometimes we get teased Sometimes we get mad Although we seem different When tics appear each day Remember this disease chose us And no the other way So if we jerk, or yell, or swear Please try not to forget It isn’t us doing it But a disease called Tourette ----Jason Valencia---- Touretter 1986, 10 years old Living with Tourette syndrome gives a deeper insight to the highly misunderstoodRead MoreGilles De La Tourette Syndrome2189 Words   |  9 PagesAbstract: Tourette syndrome is a neuropsychiatric condition characterized by both motor and phonic tics over a period of at least one year with the onset in childhood or adolescence. Apart from the tics, most of the patients with Tourette syndrome have associated neuropsychiatric comorbidities consisting of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, rage attacks, sleep issues, depression, and migraine. Patients may also have physical complications directly from violentRead MoreWhat makes me tic?: An investigation into the possible causes of Tourette syndrome and its2400 Words   |  10 PagesWhat makes me tic?: An investigation into the possible causes of Tourette syndrome and its symptoms Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome, commonly known as â€Å"Tourette syndrome,† â€Å"Tourette’s,† or simply â€Å"TS,† is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder producing sudden, repetitive movements and sounds, known as â€Å"tics,† which are beyond an individual’s control. The condition is named after French physician Georges Gilles de la Tourette, who first published an account of its symptoms in the 1880s (Felling Singer