A Look at Tourette Syndrome

Many people may remember the scene from the movie Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo when he was at the baseball game with a woman who had Tourette Syndrome. She experienced involuntary muscle tics and yelled out many obscenities. Given the setting she was in, those around her didn't understand that she actually had an involuntary disorder; they actually thought she was obsessively taunting and bad mouthing the opposing team. Much of the viewing audience at home or in theaters considered that whole scene to be very humorous. After all, it's just a movie right? People poke fun at just about everything under the sun these days from eating disorders, neurological disorders, people with disabilities or special needs, those suffering from various addictions, and a host of other things.

Perhaps when such things are used in movies or other entertainment situations people aren't supposed to take it to heart. But for the people who suffer from Tourette's or any other type of disorder, or those who are close to someone who is affected by it, this is no laughing matter. Not everyone understands Tourette Syndrome. Some people think the people can actually control much of what they're saying but the truth of the matter is they cannot. Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary body movements and vocal outburst. It is named after a French physician, George Gilles de la Tourette who first described it in 1885. Although the cause for this disorder is unknown, it is said to be a genetic condition. It's also more prevalent in males than in females.

Not surprisingly, without a known cause there is no known cure for this disorder. There are treatments for it which include medications and behavioral treatments as well as alternative treatments individuals may try on their own. And with cases varying from mild to severe sufferers will experience different symptoms which may call for different treatments. Some cases of Tourette's are accompanied by learning difficulties, impulsive behavioral disorders, or ADD/ADHD, and obsessive compulsive behaviors.

One individual who suffered from Tourette Syndrome said when his outbursts and tics occur, it's as if someone else is controlling his body. Regardless of what he wanted to do or not do, there was no controlling his actions. Other sufferers have said that suffering from such a disorder has severely hindered them from living normal lives and doing the things they would like to do. Naturally those with this disorder receive lots of stares and judgments when in public situations which is why many of them try to avoid such situations. The ability to live happy and productive lives can be hindered from any disorder or illness, especially one that is incapable of hiding. If you have an illness in your body, the symptoms don't always show on the outside for everyone to see. However, if you have several involuntary muscle tics and vocal outburst which often times include obscenities and profane language, people can and will discriminate against you. It's not right but it happens.

Research is currently being conducted to try to pinpoint an exact cause or exact causes for this disorder. In 2005, Yale University School of Medicine and Child Study Center made a genetic discovery that identified a gene mutation in a boy suffering from Tourette's that appears to lead to the disorder in some people. This research, which was lead by Dr. Matthew State, was able to pinpoint a specific gene and see the neurological effects its abnormality caused.

With over 200,000 Americans suffering from this disorder, millions of dollars has gone into researching more causes and possible treatments and cures for this disorder. When understanding that this is an actual disorder which people have no control over, it is clear that it is not a laughing matter. Not surprisingly, there will be some people who just don't care and who will continue to get laughs at other people's expense. But for those who do care, getting educated about such disorders and supporting research efforts can result in even more scientific breakthroughs and perhaps one day a cure.

Sources:

www.tourettes-disorder.com

www.tsa-usa.org