Spotlight on: Tourette’s Syndrome November 29, 2012

This is Tourettes 4 Inherited tic disorder characterized by multiple motor (physical) tics and at least one vocal tic. Experts believe it is closely linked to damage or abnormalities to the basal ganglia of the brain. Mosquito Bite Analogy

What’s a Tick? Simple Motor – eye blinking, teeth clicking, finger movements Simple Vocal – throat clearing, grunting, whistling Complex Motor – Hopping, twirling, eye rolling Complex Vocal – phrases, unusual tones, accents, stuttering, obscenities DYNAMIC not STATIC: can change from day to day and week to week.

Diagnosis The criteria to diagnose Tourette's must include: Presence of both motor and vocal tics Tics occur several times a day, nearly every day or intermittently. These tics have been occurring for over one year. There must be no remission that lasts over three months. Tics start before the patient is 18 years old. Other possible causes have been ruled out, such as medications, other substances, or another medical condition. TS + = ADHD, OCD, Learning Disabilities and Autisim

In the Classroom Often students are treated with muscle relaxants and neuroleptics. Medication side affects can include but not limited to: – Dizziness – Dry mouth – Headaches – Sleepiness or drowsiness – Tiredness – Blurred vision

Good To Know Video (Start at the 30:26 mark) It Gets Personal

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