Tourette Syndrome

Question: Tourette Syndrome? My 11-year old cousin has a more mild case of Tourette Syndrome. His parents are in denial that he has it and are not willing to treat it or seek counseling. I have done my research, and while he does not have a problem with his speech or blurting out words, he consistently has ticks, and he snorts, whistles and is always twitching and has rapid bodily movements. If you have any experience with Tourette Syndrome, might you be able to help me? I would appreciate any information you might be able to provide or ways he and his family can get help. Thank you in advance.

Answer: My 11 year old son has Tourettes, OCD and ADHD. The best thing you can do is educate yourself (you have done this, kudos to you!) and others. The parents are making the situation worse by denial. Education about the condition is of utmost importance! The more you and those who love him understand, the better the child's chances of a successful life. The child needs to feel safe at home in an environment where he can tic without comment from others. The people around him need to love him unconditionally. This is not to say that the TS may be used for an excuse. But the child needs to know that his family loves him no matter what. I have found that while in public, if I treat my son in a "normal" manner that people generally follow suit. At home, he is loved and respected just like all members of our household. He has chores and homework just like everybody else. His case is moderate and is very mild with the medicine. Counseling may not be necessary, unless the parents feel they need it in order to come to terms with this condition that will not be going away. Tourettes is lifelong and there is not a cure yet. The TSA web site mentioned in the previous answers is very beneficial. This is a great book that will help: "Children with Tourette Syndrome, A Parents Guide" Special Needs Collection, by Tracy Haerle. I enjoyed this book too: "Front of the Class, How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I never Had", by Brad Cohen Please feel free to contact me through this site.

Question: What kinds of meds or something is there for tourette syndrome? My 7 year old son was just tested to see if he tourette syndrome. He has all the signs of having it. Is there anything to help? And it throwing stuff a sign of tourettes too?

Answer: Tourettes is diagnosed by oral history from you and observation from the doctor. There is not "one" test for TS. The Dr. may ask for other types of tests (EEG, blood tests), but they can only rule out other disorders, which might be helpful. Tics can be motor tics or vocal tics and must have been present for more than one year for a diagnosis. Throwing stuff is not a symptom, but it may be born out of frustration in dealing with this mysterious disorder. However , education about what is happening helps to dispel mystery and the stigma. I have noticed that you placed this question in the mental health category. Tourettes is not a mental illness. It is Neurological, or to be more specific, Neurobiological. Your son is not mentally ill. Think of it this way, your son's software is fine (mental capabilities, learning aptitude), but his hardware is wired incorrectly and this causes tics. This is not to say that there cannot be problems, there can, but you can help in this area in a few important ways. First, allow him to tic at home without comment from others. He needs to feel safe, accepted, and loved. Second, and very important, do not punish him for the tics. Do not try to make him stop. He can't. Make sure teachers and anyone else caring for your son aware that he is not to be punished for tics. Just give him the same love, respect, and discipline as usual. There are some medications for TS, but they can only lessen the symptoms. There is not "one" medicine that works the same for everybody. Unfortunately, it's all hit and miss. Depending on the severity of the TS, you will need to see what works best for your son. Some people choose not to medicate. There is not a cure. Tourettes is lifelong and it is not degenerative. The motor and vocal tics are migratory. My son has a moderate case. He is on Chlonidine and it does help. Be sure to take yor son to a Pediatric Neurologist. If your regular Dr. won't give you referral for a Neuro, switch Doctors. You must advocate for you child. No one else will. Best wishes.

Question: How do i do outline for a report on tourette syndrome? I have to do a report on Tourette Syndrome How do I do an outline for my report?

Answer: You can learn something about it online. Try starting here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourette_sy…

Question: How can I find a Tourette Syndrome Support Group in Los Angeles, CA? I have TS (with OCD symptoms and ADHD learning problems). I belong to the National Tourette Syndrome Association. The only problem is that their meetings you have to drive and travel to go to one. Does anyone know of a support group for adults with my disorder? I am twenty-seven btw. Thanks.

Answer: Maybe if you contact these places they may be able to help you. http://art.ridne.net/dir/node-81840.html http://www.tourettesyndrome-socal.org/sg… http://www.tourettesyndrome-socal.org/in… http://tourettenowwhat.tripod.com/doctor… Good luck!

Question: How would I know if I have Tourette Syndrome? I just finished watching the South Park episode where Cartman pretends to have Tourette Syndrome and now I'm all freaked out. I blurt out obscenities all the time. How do I know if I have Tourette Syndrome or if I just have a dirty mouth? Donkey humper!

Answer: No, you don't have it. Most people with Tourettes do not have this over-hyped symptom. In fact, less than 10% of TS sufferers have coprolalia. It is not a requirement for a diagnosis. Most people with Tourettes NEVER display this symptom. Idiots like south park and others like to sensationalize this just for laughs. It's simply not funny, but it is the lowest form of humor which is all one can expect from minds as miniscule as these. It would be like making fun of a cancer patient whose hair falls out, or making fun of a person with Epilepsy, or making fun of a person with Alzheimers. Rude, really. And It makes life difficult for the many kids in schools across America who suffer abuse from peers who watch this crap and assume that is the way to treat a person who might be just a little different. Shame on them. BTW the answer below mine is incorrect. The tics and vocal tremors are caused by impulses but a person with TS is not shocked electrically every time they tic. Tourettes is not painful, unless a person bites their tougue or gets hurt from hitting into something. The tics themselves are not painful. EDUCATE YOURSELVES PEOPLE: http://www.tsa-usa.org

Question: is America the only place with Tourette syndrome? is America the only place with Tourette syndrome? Do they have tourrettes in other countries too?

Answer: History lesson! Tourettes syndrome was named after Gilles de la tourettes, a frenchman. It was discovered in france. There was recently something on TV that showed a tourettes camp, with american and english teenagers, and some canadians. It's a worldwide disorder.

Question: Does alcohol affect tourette syndrome negatively? I am 16 and grew up with tourette syndrome during my early childhood, but the tics disappeared at 12 and haven't come back. My family is afraid that if I consume any alcohol, it will bring back the tics without hope of them going away again. I don't drink but it sucks knowing I won't be able to do it when I am of age. Is this really what I will have to deal with the rest of my life?

Answer: Interesting question. Each person is different, so there may not be a definitive answer. I'm an adult with TS, old enough to have two adult sons who have TS. I've never had alcohol exacerbate my tics, nor bring on new tics. Not while drinking or after. I've been involved with TS support groups over the years and haven't met anyone with TS who complained of alcohol increasing their tics. TS is lifelong and there are things which can increase tics, or cause noticeable tics to return. Stress, certain drugs (stimulants -- even caffeine in small doses for some) and illness are among those things. With many medications, alcohol should be avoided. Though with your TS being so mild, I'm thinking that isn't an issue anyway. Alcohol is one of the substances used by "self-medicators" (very bad idea). This is one reason cited for the incidence of addiction/abuse among people with TS and other diagnoses. Here are a few sites discussing TS and alcohol (you may need to search to find the mention of Alcohol), unfortunately none specifically address your question... http://www.tsa-usa.org/Medical/images/As… http://www.tourette.ca/youngadults_alcoh… http://www.rxmarijuana.com/Schafer.htm http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journ…

Question: How is the social life of a person who has tourette syndrome? im would like to know because i am writing a paper on tourette syndrome

Answer: The biggest and most bothersome MISCONCEPTION about this disorder is the coprolalia (cursing). The fact is that cursing, uttering obscenities, and ethnic slurs are manifested by fewer than 15% of people with TS. Too often, however, the media seize upon this symptom for its sensational effect. Because milder cases are being diagnosed, the incidence of coprolalia will probably decrease. http://www.tsa-usa.org/ It can be difficult at times, but for the most part, we treat my son (11 years old with Tourettes, OCD and ADHD) with the same love and respect at always. He has homework and chores like everybody else. In fact he thinks he is "normal" and has trouble believing that he has it! 

He is slowly coming to terms with it. It takes extra patience and grace, which God provides, to do my best with him. I love him so very much, and pray that he will have the tools in life to deal with things. Not so much the Tourettes, per se, but to deal with people who stare, laugh or comment rudely. Sadly, that is more of a problem than the disorder itself.

I am teaching him that he can do anything, ANYTHING, that he chooses and puts his own mind to do. He has an IQ of 124 which is pretty smart. I am so proud he is my son and I would not trade him for the world.

Question: Is this a slight slight chance of tourette syndrome? Through out the day maybe twice or even three times I like spaze out and I can't really help it. I usuallyflinch my shoulders and lean at a 15 degree angle and I do it randomly during the course of a day. I didn't know if I'm having a small spaze attack or maybe I get a chill or something. Or if it was a small tick like tourette syndrome people have. Does anyone know what it might be?

Answer: Tourettes is Neurological, so I would recommend seeing a Neurologist. Tics are migratory and will change periodically. Is this your only tic? Or have there been others? I would recommend making a log of your tics. Not a major writing project, just jot down what is happening and how many times per day. Take this information to your doctor. Information is vital in the diagnostic process, no matter what it turns out to be. Best wishes.

Question: Do girls avoid boys with tourette syndrome? Well, Im a 20 year old boy who has never had a gf and has never been kisses or had sex. Im going to admit I have Tourette syndrome and from many different sources every girl avoids boys with tourettes and doesn't want to be a part of it. I just dont understand why girls don't like boys with tourette syndrome? I guess I'll die alone one day and never have a gf ever. Please answer and share opinions, thanks!

Answer: Could be hot in the bedroom. tee hee.