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Tourette Syndrome
Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome (Tourette Syndrome or TS) is an inherited disorder of the nervous system, which usually becomes evident in early childhood or adolescence between the ages of 2 and 15. Individuals develop a pattern of motor tics. A motor (muscular) tic is a repeated, jerky action, such as twisting one's head from side to side. The action has no functional purpose and can occur in any part of the body.
Individuals can also develop vocal tics. Vocal tics include loud grunts or barking noises. They may include words or short phrases. In most cases, the tics come and go, and are replaced by different types of sounds and movements. As the individual grows older, the tics may become quite complex.
Although the symptoms of TS vary from person to person and range from very mild to severe, the majority of cases fall into the mild category. The most common first symptom is a facial tic such as rapidly blinking eyes or twitches of the mouth. Involuntary sounds such as throat clearing and sniffing, or tics of the limbs may also be initial signs. For a minority, the disorder begins abruptly with multiple symptoms of movements and sounds. TS occurs in all ethnic groups. Males are affected 3 to 4 times more often than females.
For more information, or to determine eligibility for services, contact the St. Clair County Community Mental Health ACCESS customer services hotline Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at 1-888-225-4447. Crisis help also is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Links of Interest:
