The national Tourette Syndrome Association announces that it will host the 1st World Congress on Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders in London (U.K.) on June 24 through 26 in collaboration with its international partners, including The European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome (ESSTS) and Tourettes Action UK. Researchers, scientists, doctors, allied healthcare providers, medical residents and others will convene to discuss current research, diagnosis and treatment of Tourette Syndrome and other Tics disorders.
The World Congress is being orchestrated to catalyze new ideas to enhance understanding of this neurodevelopmental disorder. The conference will feature internationally renowned experts and speakers who will present the latest information on all aspects of Tourette Syndrome, Tic Disorders and related conditions. Topics will include drug development, genetics, epidemiology, comorbid conditions, immunology, surgical therapies and clinical trials, among many other topics. There will be plenary talks, poster/abstract sessions, workshops, discussions and debates on controversial topics in the field of Tourette and Tic Disorders. Currently, over 400 delegates from academic, healthcare, nonprofits and governmental organizations have registered and/or submitted their research abstracts for presentation. Attendees represent 34 countries, ranging from Argentina to Sudan to Uzbekistan, spanning 6 continents.
"In recent years, we have seen many exciting advances in the understanding and treatment of Tourette and have certainly come a long way in helping those affected by this disorder," says Dr. Kevin McNaught, TSA Vice President for Research and Medical Programs. "However, there is still plenty of progress to be made. Our goal at the World Congress is to facilitate the exchange of research ideas, methods and findings, as well as foster collaboration among researchers who share common goals of discovery and development in Tourette."
As part of the World Congress, a Global Advocacy Summit will be held pre-conference for patient advocacy organizations from around the globe, giving participants a chance to discuss shared tactics for helping those affected by Tourette and Tic Disorders. The daylong session will focus on quality of life issues including: raising awareness; engaging communities in advocacy initiatives; public policy; among many others.
The World Congress will be held on June 24 through 26, 2015 at the Tower Hotel in London, UK. To register and find additional information on the World Congress and the Advocacy Summit please visit: http://touretteworldcongress.org/.
About the national Tourette Syndrome Association
Founded in 1972, the Tourette Syndrome Association is dedicated to making life better for all individuals affected by Tourette and Tic Disorders. The only nationwide organization serving this community, the Association works to raise awareness, fund research and provide on-going support. The Association directs a network of 32 Chapters and more than 55 support groups across the country. For more information on Tourette and Tic Disorders, call 1-888-4-TOURET, visit http://tsa-usa.org, on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
About Tourette and Tic Disorders
Tourette is part of a spectrum of hereditary, childhood-onset, neurodevelopmental conditions referred to as Tic Disorders. These conditions affect both children and adults, causing them to make sudden, uncontrollable movements and/or sounds called tics (e.g. head bobbing, arm jerking, shoulder shrugging and grunting). Non-tic features, such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and learning difficulties, often develop in affected individuals. Symptoms in Tic Disorders can range from mild to severe and, in some cases, can be self-injurious, debilitating and markedly reduce quality of life. While some treatments are available for people with Tourette and other Tic Disorders, approaches to care are inconsistent, medications are often ineffective and there is no cure. Today it is estimated that 1 in every 100 children in the United States is living with Tourette or other Tic Disorders.