| Tourette Syndrome This syndrome begins in childhood and manifests itself through various forms of tics. These tics include frequent, irregular movements of the head, neck, or shoulders. They also may be more complex motor behaviors such as snorting, sniffing, and involuntary vocalization. As the syndrome progresses repetitive behaviors such as touching others, obsessive compulsive symptoms, and explosive involuntary cursing can be more common. Aggressive behavior and improper sexual impulses are the rarest and most severe expressions of the syndrome. Most often the child is hyperactive and has been given some form of CNS stimulant. The cause of Tourette syndrome is not known, but it is believed to have a genetic component. A total absence of the protein dynorphin in the striatal fibers of the globus pallidus is found in some patients. Other studies have shown a deficit in the uptake or release of dopamine and serotonin at synapses. For more information concerning Tourette Syndrome please visit the web-site below. |
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