These outbursts are neither intentional nor purposeful. Involuntary symptoms can include eye blinking, repeated throat clearing or sniffing, arm thrusting, kicking movements, shoulder shrugging or jumping. These and other symptoms occur in all ethnic groups with males affected 3 to 4 times more often than females. Although the symptoms of TS vary from person to person and range from very mild to severe, the majority of cases fall into the mild category.
Associated conditions can include attentional problems, impulsiveness and learning disabilities.
Most people with TS lead profuctive lives and participate in all professions. Increased public understanding and tolerance of TS symptoms are of paramount importantce to people with Tourette Syndrome. The disorder was named for a French neuropsychiatrist who successfully assessed the disorder in the late 1800s. For more information on Tourette Syndrome and the Tourette Syndrome Association, click here. Inc. Founded in 1972 in Bayside, New York, the Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc., or TSA, is the only national voluntary non-profit membership organization in this field.