Tourette Syndrome
I am watching a documentary about "Tourette Syndrome". Having a special needs child it reminded me a lot of my own son. It must feel odd for someone to watch and be watched as they go through their sounds and movements. One thing I like about the US is they have a place, camp or 'avenue' for almost every syndrome. In the documentary they were featuring a camp for Tourette Syndrome. Anyone here has any experience with Tourette Syndrome?
JB, I think I was watching the same documentary as you last night. Was it the girl that had Tourette's and the Obsessive Compulsive Disorder as well? I watched a part where she didn't want to open a utensil drawer.
I have a friend who has Tourette's and he used to have severe twitching that caused him some some problems in high school, but he graduated regardless. Presently, at the age of 22, you probably wouldn't be able to tell he has Tourette's. His only visible symptom is a slight noise at the back of his throat that happens once in a while. I always thought he was just starting to hum a tune or something and I didn't even find it weird. It sounded normal. The only way I knew he had Tourette's is when he explained why he made the sound. He could have not told me, and I would have been none the wiser.
New brain stimulation target identified for Tourette's syndrome
Specifically-targeted deep brain stimulation improves symptoms in patients with severe Tourette's, according to new research. Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, often just called Tourette’s, is best known for the vocal and motor tics that are the most common symptoms of the disorder. Usually, these symptoms respond to a growing array of medications. However, some patients experience severe tics that do not respond to medications and may be disabling or even life-threatening. In these rare cases, deep brain stimulation may provide relief. Ref. Source 2p.
Deep brain stimulation decreases tics in young adults with severe Tourette syndrome
A surgical procedure called deep brain stimulation that sends electrical impulses to a specific area of the brain reduces the 'tics,' or involuntary movements and vocal outbursts, experienced by young adults with severe cases of Tourette syndrome. Ref. Source 3m.
This can be some good technology to help those that experience this. I talk regularly with a guy at work who has Tourettes and he is a great guy to get to know if you can get past the outbursts. Sometimes they come at a great time and everyone just bursts out laughing.