A new support group for individuals with Tourette Syndrome and their families is now meeting in San Antonio at a site provided by Methodist Healthcare. Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder which becomes evident in early childhood or adolescence between the ages of 2 and 15. TS is defined by multiple motor and vocal tics (involuntary movements) of the face, arms, limbs or trunk. These ticks are frequent, repetitive and rapid. According to the Tourette Syndrome Association, no definite cause has yet been established, but considerable evidence points to abnormal metabolism of at least one brain chemical called dopamine. Estimates indicate than some 200,000 people in the United States are known to have the disorder, but TS also often goes undiagnosed.

The Tourette Syndrome support group meets the first Tuesday of every month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Conference Room C, Methodist Healthcare System Office Building, 8109 Fredericksburg Road. The next meeting is April 4.

Please consider using this as calendar information as a community service. Response to the new support group has been good. If you are interested in a story on the support group, we can provide contact information for interviews. For the sake of confidentiality, please do not show up at this gathering unless arrangements have been made in advance.

If you are interested in doing a story, please phone Shirley Wills at 822-2378 or 365-4488(cell) or JoAnn King, 575-0171 or 325-3294 (cell). For media assistance during the weekend, please phone Methodist Hospital, 575-4000, and ask for the public relations representative on call.