Tourette syndrome

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Tourette syndrome (pronounced: tuh-RET SIN-drohm) is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, stereotyped, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics. The disorder is named for Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette, the pioneering French neurologist who in 1885 first described the condition in an 86-year-old French noblewoman.

Etymology

The term "Tourette syndrome" is derived from the name of its discoverer, Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette. The word "syndrome" comes from the Greek "σύνδρομον" (sýndromon), meaning "concurrence of symptoms, concurrence of diseases".

Symptoms

The early symptoms of Tourette syndrome are typically noticed first in childhood, with the average onset between the ages of 3 and 9 years. Tourette syndrome may also be associated with OCD, ADHD and Learning disabilities.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Tourette syndrome can be challenging because most tics are not severe, and the majority of people with tics do not seek medical attention. The diagnosis is made based on the history of the patient's symptoms.

Treatment

Treatment for Tourette syndrome has the goal of managing symptoms to achieve optimum functioning, rather than eliminating symptoms; not all persons with Tourette's require treatment. Behavioral therapies, psychoeducation, and medication may be components of treatment.

Prognosis

Tourette syndrome does not affect intelligence or life expectancy. The severity of the tics decreases for most children as they pass through adolescence, and extreme Tourette's in adulthood is a rarity.

See also

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski