Hello All ~

I have a question that I'm hoping you might be able to answer. My poor father (now deceased) had Tourette's Syndrome, and it affected every area of his life. Although he didn't have it to where he "swore" ~ me made some grunting sounds, and had terrible jerking motions. In fact, when he was in elementary school he was asked to LEAVE in 4th grade and never come back because he was a "distraction" to the other children! He did, however, become the head electrician for Corning Glass Works satellite plant.

I got off my question, which is ~ have they ever discovered what CAUSES Tourettes? Is it hereditary or is it caused by disease? It is thought that my Dad "got" it after a severe bout with scarlet fever, when his fever reached over 106 degrees!!! Why he didn't die is beyond me.

I'd appreciate any thoughts or experiences you could give me. Thanks. God bless, Lee

I am hoping Chemar comes on this thread.

But basically from what you say, your Dad had a Strep infection.
Today we know that Strep may lead to inflammation of the brain called PANDAs... this is where antibodies to the Strep bacteria, start attacking the brain areas because some of the proteins there are similar.

But there are other causes of TS. Chemar should be able to clear that up for you.

Hi
I cant post long right now but will try to add extra info tomorrow

If your dad developed TS after Scarlet Fever then yes, as mrsD has pointed out, he most likely had a condition known as PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus) which mimics the tics and OCD symptoms usually seen in TS. If there is also a family history of Tourette Syndrome, along with strep, then the inflammation caused by the bacteria can intensify the overall manifestation.

Was there anyone else in the family with tics or OCD? TS is genetically inherited

It is very sad how many people are misunderstood because of their Tourette symptoms, more so in the past. Kudos to your dad for moving forward despite that treatment by the school. Nowadays Tourette Syndrome is covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act for all education and by law kids with TS need to be afforded proper accommodations to help them succeed at school.

Hi Mrs D and Chemar ~ No, no one else in the family had Tourette's other than my Dad. So obviously then, this was caused by the Scarlet Fever? wow, finally a definite answer!

I was proud of my Dad ~ he taught himself algebra, geometry, trig, and above all, calculus!!! Good grief, I barely made it thru Algebra in school! lol He also made the first TV in our town when he was a teenager - he broadcast from one side of town to the other - this was before TV was even available! It would have been about 1932, when he was 17yrs old. He was also a TV repairman. Enuf bragging about Dad. LOL

Thank you so much for the information. I really appreciate it! God bless you both! Hugs, Lee