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Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome
Alternate Names : Tourette Syndrome
DefinitionGilles de la Tourette syndrome, also called simply Tourette syndrome, is a disorder characterized by multiple motor and vocal tics that begins before age 18.
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Tourette syndrome, first described by Georges Gilles de la Tourette in 1885, is a complex condition that arises during childhood or adolescence. It is characterized by repeated and involuntary body movements (tics). A tic is a sudden, rapid, stereotyped motor movement or vocalization. Tics can include eye blinking, repeated throat clearing or sniffing, arm thrusting, kicking movements, shoulder shrugging or jumping.
The prevalence of Tourette syndrome is estimated at 2% of the general population. This may be a conservative estimate, since many people with very mild tics may be unaware of them and never seek medical attention. Tourette syndrome is four times as likely to occur in boys as in girls.
Though a gene for Tourette syndrome has not yet been identified, there is strong evidence that it is an inherited disorder transmitted through one or more genes. It is an autosomal dominant trait.
Famous people with Tourette syndrome include Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf (formerly Chris Jackson), Jim Eisenreich, and Mozart.
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• Definition
• Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Symptoms & Signs
• Prevention
• Diagnosis & Tests
• Treatment
• Prognosis
• Complications
• Support Groups
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
Review Date : 10/23/2003
Reviewed By : Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., M.Sc., Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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