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Resources by Disability
Tourettes Syndrome (TS)
Definition: Tourettes Syndrome (TS) is an inherited, neurological disorder that is characterized by recurrent tics. TS affects approximately 200,000 Americans, or 10 in every 10,000 school-aged children.
Symptoms: Key symptoms of TS are chronic involuntary movements called motor tics, and uncontrollable vocalizations called vocal tics. Tics may occur daily, monthly, or intermittently throughout the year. Onset typically occurs between the ages of 6 and 8.
TS symptoms generally improve over time. Tics usually decline in severity after puberty, and even disappear by age 20 in 20-30% of all patients.
Cause: Because TS is hereditary, the greatest risk factor is a family history of the condition. For people with TS, the chance of having a child with the condition is about 50% for males, and 30% for females.
Diagnosis: To diagnose TS, physicians conduct medical history and physical exams, MRIs, CT scans, EEGs, and blood tests. Most people are diagnosed with TS by the time they are 18 years old.
Treatment: There are medications that can help relieve and control the various symptoms of TS.
Myth: TS is often misunderstood. TS is neither fatal, nor a mental retardation. People with the condition have a normal life span and an average IQ.
Notable People with TS:
-Tim Howard, the goalie for the Manchester United soccer team.
- Jim Eisenreich, a Major League Baseball player.
Support Groups:
PA Tourrettes Syndrome Inc.
Philadelphia County
Evangelical Manor
8401 Roosevelt Boulevard #1
Philadelphia PA 19152
Tel: (215) 464-9341
Email: siegelWD@aol.com
PA Tourrettes Syndrome Inc.
Lower Bucks/Montgomery Counties
St. Mary’s Medical Center
1207 Langhorne Road
Langhorne PA 19047
Tel: (215) 702-8272
Email: rgrcnr@verizon.net
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