Involuntary movements are the hallmark of tourette's syndrome

DEAR DR. DONOHUE: Will you address Tourette's syndrome? My granddaughter has developed body tics. She is 20. Where does it come from? Where can she get some information and help? -- B.B.

ANSWER: Tourette's syndrome consists of involuntary, repetitive and quick movements. That's the definition of "tics." These tics, unlike many childhood tics, stay for long periods, always more than a year. They can be persistent eye-blinking, throat-clearing or facial-grimacing. Or they may be more attention-getting, like twisting, twirling, touching. Vocal (also called phonic) tics are also common in Tourette's -- things like hissing, barking or the repetition of words, phrases or sentences. None of this is deliberately willed. An affected child might be able to stifle them for a short time, but they always break through in spite of the embarrassment they cause. The most likely explanation for them is errant brain chemistry.

The onset of Tourette's lies between the ages of 2 and 21. Symptoms tend to decrease in adulthood, but some people are never completely free of them.

Medicines for Tourette's include clonidine, guanfacine and risperidone. There are others. Not every person with Tourette's needs to take medicine. If the tics are not disruptive, then they can be ignored.

Lest you think Tourette's is an impediment to success, it is not. Doctors, lawyers, engineers and professional baseball and soccer players have had the syndrome and have achieved great distinction in their chosen professions.

Your granddaughter will be happy to learn she has a good friend in the Tourette Syndrome Association which she can reach at 888-4-TOURET and on the Web at www.tsausa. org. Canadians can get in touch with the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada at www. tourette.ca.

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Dr. Donohue regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but he will incorporate them in his column whenever possible. Readers may write him or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475. Readers may also order health newsletters from www.rbmamall.com. 2006 North America Syndicate Inc. All Rights Reserved