What exactly is Tourette syndrome?

Tourette syndrome is a condition that affects the brain and nerves, causing people to make repeated movements and sounds, also known as motor and vocal tics, that they cannot control. The symptoms usually begin in childhood, can vary from mild to severe, and change over time.

What is Tourette syndrome caused by?

The exact cause of Tourette syndrome isn’t known. It’s a complex disorder likely caused by a combination of inherited (genetic) and environmental factors. Chemicals in the brain that transmit nerve impulses (neurotransmitters), including dopamine and serotonin, might play a role.

What famous person has Tourette syndrome?

Famous Canadian actor and comedian, Dan Aykroyd, was diagnosed with mild Tourette Syndrome and Aspergers at a young age.

Who was the first person with Tourette’s?

In 1885, Gilles de la Tourette described 9 patients who suffered from a disorder characterized by involuntary movements, echolalia, echopraxia, coprolalia, and strange, uncontrollable sounds.

Why does Tourette’s make you swear?

2000), suggests that it’s caused by damage to the amygdala, a region of the brain that normally mitigates anger and aggression. Because cursing is a form of verbal aggression, amygdala damage could result in the inability to control aggression, including verbal aggression, or cursing.

When was Tourette’s first named?

Results: In 1885 Gilles de la Tourette published a paper on a rare disorder whose symptoms were sudden movements (tics) and the shouting out of obscene language (coprolalia). According to Charcot it was a specific neurological disease which he named after his pupil: la maladie des tics de Gilles de la Tourette.

What makes the Couvent Sainte Marie de la Tourette unique?

The Couvent Sainte-Marie de La Tourette is a unique synthesis of the achievements of the Modern Movement, combining Purist forms, Brutalist textures and revolutionary solutions in terms of living space. Built on a square U-shaped plan, to the north off by the nave of the church, the convent is directly inspired by Cistercian models.

Who was the first person to describe Tourette syndrome?

Tourette syndrome is a complex neurological disorder that is characterized by repetitive, sudden, uncontrolled (involuntary) movements and sounds (vocalizations) called tics. [1] [2] Tourette syndrome is named for Georges Gilles de la Tourette, who first described this disorder in 1885. [2]

How are tics related to Tourette syndrome ( TS )?

TS causes people to have “tics”. Tics are sudden twitches, movements, or sounds that people do repeatedly. People who have tics cannot stop their body from doing these things. For example, a person might keep blinking over and over again. Or, a person might make a grunting sound unwillingly. Having tics is a little bit like having hiccups.

Is there a cure for Tourette syndrome ( TS )?

Although there is no cure for TS, there are treatments available to help manage the tics. Many people with TS have tics that do not get in the way of their daily life and, therefore, do not need any treatment.