Tourette
Syndrome Glossary
We created
this Glossary of Tourette Syndrome Terms to help people without scientific
backgrounds understand the terms and concepts used in Tourette Syndrome
research. Simply click on the letter index of interest to find the
term you are looking for. Some terms may have external links for more
clarification.
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Neuroleptic
- A class of medications, e.g. haloperidol, pimozide
Neurotransmitter
- Any of the chemicals carrying nerve impulses across the synapse
(gap) between adjacent neurons (nerve cells)
Norepinephrine
- One of the brain's neurotransmitters involved in the formation and
function of dopamine and serotonin.
Obsession
- An unwanted recurring thought or impulse that is without purpose
Obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD) - When a person has uncontrollable thoughts and compulsive
behaviors to an extent that impairs functioning
Orap
- See pimozide
Palilalia
- Repeating one's own words or phrases
Pimozide
- A neuroleptic drug used to help reduce tics of TS
Positron
Emission Tomography (PET) - An imaging technique using small amounts
of radioactive material that produces a cross-sectional view of specific
chemical activities in the brain
Premonitory
urges - Sensations immediately preceding an involuntary movement or
vocalization
Prozac
- See fluoxetine
Remission
- A complete absence of symptoms for a period of months to years .
. . Sometimes occurs with TS
Ritalin
- See methylphenidate
Serotonin
- One of the brain's neurotransmitters, believed to be involved in
depression and OCD
Side
effects - Secondary, unwanted effects of using a medication
Single
Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) - Device which measures
brain function through blood flow and glucose metabolism
Stimulant
- A psychotrophic drug such as Ritalin and dexedrine often used to
control hyperactivity in children
Synapse
- The gap between neurons, across which messages are carried by neurotransmitters
Tertiary
- Pronounced - tur-she-air-ee; Third in place, order, degree, or rank.
In Tourette Syndrome there are generally 3 levels or degrees of having
the disorder; mild, moderate, and severe. A Tertiary level of Tourette
Syndrome would be a severe case.
Tardive
dyskinesia - Involuntary movements of the mouth, tongue, and lips.
Some medications prescribed for Tourette Syndrome can contribute to
the development of this condition
Tic -
An involuntary movement (motor tic) or involuntary vocalization (vocal
tic)
Titration
- Process of determining how much of a medication is required to produce
a desired reaction
Tourette
Syndrome - A chronic, physical disorder of the brain which causes
both motor tics and vocal tics, and begins before the age of eighteen
Trichotillomania
- A compulsion to pull out one's own hair in order to relieve anxiety
Waxing
and waning - A naturally occurring increase and decrease in severity
and frequency of TS symptoms
