What exactly is Tourette Syndrome(T.S.)? T.S. is a genetic neurological disorder that causes various motor and vocal tics, not to mention some mighty bizarre behavior! Currently, the cause of T.S. is unknown, and there is, as of this writing, no test to specifically pinpoint T.S. Doctors base their diagnosis of T.S. on several things, including feedback and input from relatives and teachers. The main basis for diagnosis is that both motor and vocal tics must be present for more than a year, and the tics must have an onset of before the age of 18. Males are affected with T.S. at a rate of between 3 to 4 times as often as females. Often times, diagnosis is missed because, even in this enlightened age, many Doctors are just not familiar enough with T.S. to make a proper diagnosis. If you suspect your loved one has T.S., the very best thing that you can do is educate yourself. Read everything you can, research, and gather the facts in an orderly fashion to present your physician. I made a list of Nick's symptoms, and brought with me many pages of information printed from the web, with Nick's symptoms highlighted. If this is what you believe your child has, don't be put off. Get a second opinion, if necessary. After all, as parents and loved ones, we know our child better than anyone.
Below, I have listed the major symptoms to look for in T.S., both motor and vocal. This is not all inclusive, your child may very well have some strange behavior I have not listed. But, I have found these symptoms to be an adequate checklist for my son, I hope they will help you to recognize the symptoms your child has been having.
There are also complex motor tics, which involve a series of movements, such as jerking then knee bending. They are complex because they involve two or more tics in succesion, and must be done in a precise manner in order to relieve the 'urge.'
The tics denoted with a (*) are tics that my son Nick has exhibited at one time or another.
There are also complex vocal tics, which involve a series of sounds. Also included in the complex vocal category are corprolalia (shouting of obscene words) and echolalia (repeating the last word of a sentence, or repeating an entire sentence). My son Nick has corprolalia, but he masks the urge to shout a cuss word with the word "FINE".
The tics denoted with a (*) are tics that my son Nick has exhibited at one time or another.
Corprolalia is the outburst of obscene language at inappropriate times. Whenever people hear TS, they seem to assume your child is a cuss word shouter. In truth, this affects only between 10% and 30% of of persons with TS. This is the tic that Nick has learned to mask by using the word "FINE".
Corpropraxia is a complex motor tic in which a person actually acts out an obscene action, such as grabbing private parts, pointing at someone else's privates, or flying the finger. It occurs in a very small percentage of persons with TS.
Echolalia is repeating the last word or sentence someone says. Some people can do this mentally, but it interferes with concentration, causing problems at school or work.
Echopraxia is the involuntary repeating of another person's last gesture.
Palilalia is repeating one's own last word.
I hope that this has been informative for your search in information on Tourette Syndrome. My information is not all inclusive, nor is it intended to replace a DR's Diagnosis. It is for informational purposes only. If you suspect your child or loved one has TS, please, consult your physician.
You can send me an email at boyzmomma@oocities.com
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