Síndrome de Tourette

When Purdue University neurobiologist Peter Hollenbeck lectures in front of his 400-student cell biology class, the symptoms of his Tourette syndrome—the upand-down movements of one arm, the twists of his head, the barely audible sounds—virtually... More

When Purdue University neurobiologist Peter Hollenbeck lectures in front of his 400-student cell biology class, the symptoms of his Tourette syndrome—the upand-down movements of one arm, the twists of his head, the barely audible sounds—virtually disappear. But, by the time the lecture is finished, the urge to move is unbearable. He quickly retreats to his office to “tic, tic, tic,” he says, “until the need subsides. ” Hollenbeck has a mild case of Tourette syndrome, whose effects he chooses to endure rather than experience the slight sedation he feels when medicated. Other people are more harshly affected. A small minority exhibits complex behaviors such as imitating others or blurting out profanities. Some are tormented by obsessive thoughts, such as the scientist who had to give up highenergy physics because every time he saw a “Danger—High Voltage” sign, he felt compelled to touch the equipment. Many cases of Tourette’s are socially inconspicuous, and people with the syndrome Less