Tourette Syndrome

Proper Name:
Tourette's disorder per the DSM-IV-TR

Common Name:
Tourette's or TS

Age of Onset:
Before the age of 18

Duration:
This condition is usually lifelong, but it is common for younger children to grow out of the tics.

Males/Females/Ethnic Groups:
The trait is carried on the X-chromosome so males are more likely to show symptoms of this disorder.

Causes:
It is a genetic disorder caused by an abnormal metabolism of the neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin are involved with the disorder). Prenatal, perinatal, autoimmune, and environmental factors also contribute to the severity of symptoms.

Symptoms:
Involuntary tics, ranging from sudden jerky movements to complex physical rituals. Tics can also include meaningless vocalizations.

Prognosis:
This disease is generally lifelong, but it is not a degenerative condition. It has a normal life expectancy and does not impair intelligence. Some people simply grow out of their tics, but emotional/behavioral problems usually persist.

Treatment:
Medication is used to lessen tics, but most people are referred to a psychiatrist. Often time this illness comes with other personality disorders and combining too many behavior modification drugs could have adverse effects.

Sources:
http://members.tripod.com/~tourette13/

Fibromyalgia

Proper Name:
Fibromyalgia

Common Name:
Fibromyalgia

Age of Onset:
25 and older

Duration:
Life-long

Males/Females/Ethnic Groups:
Women are 10 times more likely to get it than men.

Causes:
Doctors are still unaware of what causes this disease

Symptoms:
-all over aching
-crippling fatigue
-specific trigger points or tender points on the body may be painful too touch
-swelling
-disturbances in sleep
-mood disturbances or depression.
-muscles twitch, burn, or have deep stabbing pain
-abdominal pain
-anxiety and depression
-chronic headaches
-dryness in mouth, nose, and eyes
-hypersensitivity to cold and/or heat
-inability to concentrate
-irritable bowel syndrome
-numbness or tingling in the fingers and feet
-painful menstrual cramps

Prognosis:
This disease is chronic, so a person will have it all of his/her life with occasional flair ups.

Treatment:
There are medications, alternative remedies, and lifestyle habits that may help decrease fibromyalgia pain and improve sleep. Pain medication or antidepressants may prescribed to help end the pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Also, many doctors may recommend regular physical therapy, moist heat and exercise, relaxation, and stress reduction to help manage symptoms.

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/fibromyalgia/guide/fibromyalgia-treatments