Gilles Tourette syndrome
Tourette syndrome, aka Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, is a
neurological or neurochemical disorder that can be characterized
by tics. Tics are involuntary, rapid, sudden movements or
vocalizations that occur repeatedly in the same way. Symptoms to
Tourette's include multiple motor and often times several vocal
tics present at some time during the disorder. These various
tics are not nessecarry to occur simultaneously.
The occurrence of tics throughout the day usually occur is
spasms. These spasms occur nearly every day or intermittently
throughout a span of more than one year. The syndrome will
change in the quantity, frequency, type and location of the
affecting tics.
Vocal tics can be subdivided into various categories,
including: - Repetition of words after reading them -
Spontaneous utterance of socially questionable words (Usually
Racial and ethnic) - Repetition of one's own previously spoken
words - Repetition of words spoken by someone else after being
heard by the person with the disorder
Besides the vocal tics mentioned above, there are many other
categories which don't always involved word repetition. Tourette
Syndrome vocal tics don't even have to be words, they can be
represented by almost any possible short vocal sound. The most
common of these types of tics are sounds produced that resemble
throat clearing, short coughs, grunts, or moans.
Motor tics can be a numberless variety of actions which
can include: - Contorted facial grimacing. - Knuckles banging
together - Itching - hand-clapping - Scratching
Tourettes Syndrome is indicated when a person exhibits both
multiple motor and one or more vocal tics over the period of 1
year, with no more than three months of consecutive living
tic-free. These Tic disturbances can easily impair and or
distress the individual from functioning normally. The diagnosis
cannot be involved with substance abuse or another medical
condition, and must be before the age of 18.