The Maybes of Research

As I've said before; I've done a lot of research on TS. The first year I mostly researched the mechanics of the disorder. The last couple of years I've centered my research on co-morbid disorders and educational issues. These issues were what was causing Z trouble, so I narrowed my search.

Occassionally, I would run across an article on current research. I quickly scanned these articles enough to know that MAYBE scientists had isolated the area of the brain that cause TS, and MAYBE they've discovered a drug in Germany that can reroute neurons to bypass faulty areas. I decided to leave this area to the scientists and wait for something DEFINITE. I'm on a mission to educate our child.

I was recently brought up short on my lack of knowledge, so I went back and researched the mechanics again. When I last researched the WHYS of TS, 4 yrs ago, the MAYBES were slightly different. Back then MAYBE TS was caused by the brains overproduction of the chemicals dopamine and serotonin. Now, they say MAYBE TS is caused by the brains overproduction of dopamine, or MAYBE receptors in the brain are overly sensitive to dopamine. They very rarely mention serotonin now, except to say that MAYBE it has something to do with TS, but they're not sure how. There are also scientists that say MAYBE TS is a co-morbid disorder of OCD(Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), instead of the other way around. They're so closely related, it's hard to tell.

For every researcher that says one thing, there is another researcher that says the exact opposite. These aren't mistakes. It's just proof of how complex the human brain and nervous sytem are! They're exploring all possibilities. I thank God for the scientists out there who are researching all these MAYBES. MAYBE someday, they will find a way to fix the human brain without horrible side affects.

In the meantime, our son currently has an eye-rolling tic that is so severe that it's interfering with his reading. This slows his schooling down considerably. In addition, his OCD is preventing Z from taking out the garbage in his bedroom; there may be something in the garbage that he'll need! We've got our plate full just trying to find ways around these hurdles and many others. I'll leave the MAYBES to the experts.