1. Tourette Syndrome Nora Davies

2. Introduction to Tourette A neurological disorder in which the subject suffers from repetitive involuntary movements or vocalizations called tics. Discovered by Dr. George Gilles de la Tourette in 1885. Tourette syndrome tends to run in families and affects men three times more than women.

3. Diagnosis Diagnosis is determined on the presence of the patient’s tics Doctors also ask relatives about their genetic history. In order to diagnose as Tourette the vocal and physical tics must be present for at least a year and start before age 18. There are no specific tests for Tourette

4. Transmission Not a lot of information on the inheritance of Tourette syndrome is available. Geneticists believe that Tourette is inherited. If a person has Tourette syndrome then it is likely another family member has it. Previously believed to be autosomal dominant. But is now shown to probably come from a variety of genetic and environmental factors, not changes in a single gene.

5. Signs and Symptoms Signs May have trouble focusing on school or a conversation. Many people with Tourette may also have ADHD or OCD. Symptoms Tics: sudden, brief, involuntary acts or sounds. Tics are separated into two groups: simple and complex. Simple tics: sudden, brief, and repeating but limited. Complex: coordinated pattern of movements. People suffering from Tourette experience the urge to perform a tic. It is hard to suppress.

6. Treatment No medication completely eliminates symptoms but they can be used to get rid of related symptoms such as OCD or ADHD. Treatments that can help are:  Drugs that block or deplete the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain, such as fluphenazine or pimoside: Can help control tics but have side effects such as weight gain and dulling of the mind.  Drugs that control OCD and ADHD.  Central adrenergic inhibitors: Helps control behavioral symptoms but may cause sleepiness.  Psychotherapy: Can help with accompanying problems such as depression, anxiety, or ADHD and can also help to cope with Tourettes

7. Reference list Healthcares.net.(2005). How is Tourette’s syndrome diagnosed? Retrieved from http://neurology.health-cares.net/tourettes-syndrome- diagnosis.php.Web. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2010). NINDS Tourette Syndrome information. Retrieved from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tourette/tourette.htm.Web. Nemours. (1995-2010). Tourette Syndrome. Retrieved from http://kidshealth.org/teen/diseases_conditions/brain_nervous/tourette.html#. Web. Mansell, Mike. (2010). Tourettes syndrome. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?Tourettes-Syndrome&id=315243. Web. Mayo Clinc staff. (1998-2010). Symptoms. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tourette- syndrome/DS00541/DSECTION=symptoms. Web. Moe, Barbara. (2000). Coping with Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders. East 21 st street, New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc. Print.