Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome: a case study.

Tourette's Syndrome was first described by Gilles de la Tourette in 1885. Previously thought to be a rare neuropsychiatric disorder, its prevalence is now estimated at 0.05%. In Canada, this would mean approximately 12,000 people are affected. The rapid growth of knowledge in the neurosciences has led to better understanding and treatment of this disorder. Tourette's Syndrome is characterized by motor tics, usually beginning in the face and progressing to other areas, and by vocal tics, such as hissing, snorting, and barking. Fifty percent also develop copralalia. The age of onset is between 2 and 15 years of age but its complex symptomatology and its waxing and waning course delays diagnosis. This paper will describe the disease process including etiology, signs and symptoms, and treatment. The main focus will be on a case study which will depict how this syndrome affected the life of one woman. The multidisciplinary approach required to assist the severely affected individual to return to her family following successful treatment will be described.