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Tourette Syndrome
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects 1 in 1,000 children, usually in the age range of 6 to 9 years old, but can occur almost as late as 21 years of age. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a patient is diagnosed with Tourette syndrome after experiencing motor and vocal tics for at least one year. Original symptoms are characterized by tics (involuntary movements) of the face, arms, limbs, or trunk. The most common first symptom is a facial tic such as a frequent blinking of the eye or a grimace. It may then be replaced by quick twitching of the neck, trunk, and limbs.
Tics can be classified into simple or complex. Simple motor tics are "sudden, brief, repetitive movements that involve a limited number of muscle groups." Simple verbal tics include "throat clearing, sniffing, or grunting noises." Complex tics involve coordinated rhythms of multiple muscles. These may include actions that appear purposeful, including "touching objects, hopping, jumping, bending, or twisting." Simple verbal tics may include "throat-clearing, sniffing/snorting, grunting, or barking." More complex verbal tics include words or phrases which at times can be inappropriate.
Five examples of vocal and motor tics include:
- Copropraxia -- the creation of obscene gestures
- Echopraxia -- the mimicking movements of others
- Coprolalia -- the vocalization of obscene or other socially awkward/unacceptable words or phrases
- Echolalia -- repeating the words of another person
- Palilalia -- repeating personal dialogue
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke estimates that approximately 200,000 Americans have complex and severe Tourette syndrome, and as many as 1 in 100 exhibit milder and simple symptoms. Most people who suffer the condition experience their worst symptoms in adolescence and childhood, with improvement as they age into adulthood.
Although the tics are involuntary, some people are able to suppress their symptoms in an effort to increase their functionality. But for most people, too much suppression may cause a buildup of tension which will result in an inevitable tic.
Although there is no certain cause of Tourette syndrome, current research reveals abnormalities in regions of the brain such as the basal ganglia, frontal lobes, and cortex. Treatment of Tourette syndrome is available through medications which aid in day-to-day functioning. Neuroleptics are most commonly used for tic suppression, but unfortunately there is no one medication for total elimination of tics. In addition, most medications will cause undesirable side effects which may include sedation, weight gain, and cognitive dulling.
If you or someone you know has a child with Tourette syndrome, you may deserve government benefits. A Florida social security disability lawyer will be able to discuss this in greater detail with you.
