TOURETTE SYNDROME DIAGNOSIS |
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Tourette Syndrome is diagnosed by observing the
symptoms and asking whether relatives have had a similar condition.
To qualify as Tourette Syndrome, both motor and vocal tics should be present for at
least a year and should begin before age 18 (or, some believe, age
21). There are no specific tests for Tourette Syndrome. Often, the diagnosis is
delayed because the patient is misunderstood not only at home and at
school, but often in the doctor's office as well. It may take some
time for the patient to trust the doctor enough not to suppress the
strangest or most alarming tics. Blood tests may be done in some
cases to rule our other movement disorders. A test of the brain's
electrical activity (electroencephalograph or EEG) is often abnormal,
but not specific. Medication history is very important in making the
diagnosis as well, because stimulant drugs my provoke tics or
aggravate the symptoms of Tourette Syndrome. |
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| TOURETTE SYNDROME RELATED ITEMS |
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