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	Table of Contents What is Tourette Syndrome? Tourette Syndrome Symptoms How are tics classified? Can people with TS control their tics? What causes Tourette Syndrome? Tourette Syndrome - Associated Disorders How is Tourette Syndrome diagnosed? How is Tourette Syndrome treated? Is Tourette Syndrome inherited? Tourette Syndrome Prognosis Tourette Syndrome - Educational Setting Tourette Syndrome Research Keeping on Top of Your Condition

Tourette Syndrome Research

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Within the Federal Government, the leading supporter of research on Tourette Syndrome and other neurological disorders is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

Recent research has led to several notable advances in the understanding of Tourette Syndrome. Already scientists have learned that Tourette Syndrome is inherited from a dominant gene(s) that causes different symptoms from patient to patient, and that the disorder is more common than was previously thought.

Genetic studies. Currently, investigators are conducting genetic linkage studies in large multigenerational families affected with Tourette Syndrome in an effort to find the chromosomal location of the TS gene(s). Finding a genetic marker (a biochemical abnormality that all Tourette Syndrome patients might share) for TS would be a major step toward understanding the genetic risk factors for Tourette Syndrome. Once the marker is found, research efforts would then focus on locating the Tourette Syndrome gene. Understanding Tourette Syndrome genetics will directly benefit patients who are concerned about recurrence in their families and will ultimately help to clarify the development of the disorder. Localization of the Tourette Syndrome gene will strengthen clinical diagnosis, improve genetic counseling, lead to the clarification of pathophysiology, and provide clues for more effective therapies.

Neurotransmitter studies. Investigators continue to study certain neurotransmitters to increase our understanding of the syndrome, explore the role they play in the disease process, and provide more effective therapies.

Environmental studies. Other research projects currently under way include analyzing young unaffected children at high risk for Tourette Syndrome in order to identify environmental factors such as life stresses or exposure to certain medications that may influence the expression of the disorder.

Scientists are also conducting neuropsychological tests and neuroimaging studies of brain activity and structure to determine the extent to which specific environmental exposures may affect the emergence of tics and/or obsessive compulsive symptoms.

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