THURSDAY, APRIL 8, 2004
TOURETTE SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF NJ
ENTHUSIASTIC OVER EFFORTS FOR NEW TS TREATMENT
SOMERVILLE, NJ - The Board of Directors of Tourette Syndrome Association of
New Jersey (TSANJ) has expressed their congratulations, gratitude and enthusiasm
to the neurosurgical team at University Hospitals in Cleveland (UHC) for their
efforts that resulted in a successful surgical approach to the treatment of
Tourette Syndrome.
Doctors at UHC applied a technique called Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) that
had been used successfully in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and
tremor, to a 31 year old male patient with severe Tourette Syndrome. Surgeons
mapped out regions of the patient’s brain through MRI (magnetic resonance
imaging) scans and 3-D computer images to locate the most direct route to the
cells in the brain that control the involuntary movements associated with Tourette.
Electrodes were placed to deliver continuous high-frequency stimulation to rebalance
the control messages and stop the tics and spasms. The doctors noted that within
hours of turning on the stimulator, the patients ceaseless movements were completely
relaxed.
“This is a huge breakthrough for people with severe TS,” said TSANJ
President Faith Rice. “Many people with TS go through life, first undiagnosed,
and then treated by medication that only serve to mask the symptoms of TS. Now,
for the first time, there is a glimmer of hope for a cure. We are very excited
about this prospect and will monitor the efforts of the doctors in Cleveland
very closely.”
Ms. Rice noted that although TSANJ is enthusiastic about the procedure, it
is understood to be a highly experimental treatment and has only been attempted
on one patient. While it is encouraging, she stressed that there are serious
risks involved with the procedure and there has been a limited time to evaluate
the long term impact.
For further information on Deep Brain Stimulation, visit www.tsanj.org or www.uhhs.com.
BACKGROUNDER:
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is an inherited neurological disorder that is manifested
in involuntary physical and vocal tics. Symptoms generally appear before an
individual is 18 years old. TS affects people of all ethnic groups with males
affected 3 to 4 times more frequently than females.
It is estimated that 200,000 Americans have full blown TS and that as many
as 1 in 200 show a partial expression of the disorder. There is no cure for
TS.
The mission of TSANJ is to support the needs of families with TS, to advocate
for individuals with TS, and to educate the public and professionals on TS.
TSANJ has a membership of 2,500 families and medical professionals. The organization
relies completely on its membership, corporations, government, and foundations
to fund its mission.
Currently TSANJ operates 10 support groups at regional medical centers across
New Jersey; conducts awareness training for teachers, school nurses, students
and community leaders; manages a TS help line for disseminating information
about TS to parents, teachers, doctors, and others; sponsors a state-wide Family
Contact Program; and works with Rutgers University at the nation’s only
student clinician TS clinic, developing support programs and treatments for
families dealing with TS.
PRESS CONTACT: Rich Reitman 908-526-1390 or 908-400-6061
Sources include:
http://www.uhhs.com/DisplayContent.aspx?PageID=337
http://www.clevelandclinic.org/neuroscience/techniques/dbs.htm<
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