URMC Association of America Center of Excellence
At the URMC Tourette Association of America Center of Excellence, we offer robust clinical and research programs to serve the needs of patients with Tic Disorder/Tourette Syndrome and related disorders.
Spotlight on Tourette's Syndrome
Mission:
To provide and advance outstanding multidisciplinary care for patients with Tourette Syndrome, other tic disorders, and associated symptoms.
We were named a Tourette Association of America Center of Excellence and are a member of the New York State Consortium of Tourette Association Centers of Excellence.
We are devoted to research, clinical care, and education regarding Tourette Syndrome and related disorders.
What We Do
Patient and Family-Centered Care:
- Care for all aspects of tic disorders, including neurologic, behavioral, and emotional symptoms.
- Care for individuals throughout the state of New York and beyond
- Care for individuals throughout the lifespan, including the transition into from adolescence to adulthood
- Educational advocacy
- Increase awareness among patients, providers, educators, and the general public about Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders
Research activities
- Research on the psychosocial impacts of tic disorders upon children, families, and communities
- Research on diagnosis and treatment of tic disorders
- Build collaborations with other Tourette/Tic disorder researchers
- Maintain a research participant registry, to contact individuals about future research
Professional Education
- Training for students, residents, fellows, and allied health professionals in Tourette / Tic disorder care
- Educational training for teachers and other school personnel
What to expect when you visit our clinic?
Typically, we will review your medical history and any medications that have been prescribed. We will perform a complete neurological examination. We will discuss our diagnostic impression and treatment recommendations. We will also discuss any co-occurring conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and make treatment recommendations and referrals when needed.
You and your child may be asked to complete questionnaires about tics and related symptoms before, during, or after your visit. There is no clinical or laboratory test to diagnose Tourette Syndrome.
What is a Tourette Center of Excellence?
The Tourette Association of America (TAA) is the only national organization that serves the community to increase awareness of tics and Tourette Syndrome, provide resources to patients and families affected by Tourette Syndrome and support research efforts ( tourette.org). UR is one of 18 Centers of Excellence across the country. This designation is given to institutions that provide the highest level of care with a focus on developing novel research programs, providing leadership in Tourette Syndrome education, and connecting with and advocating for the Tourette Syndrome community.
Our Tourette Center of Excellence works closely with our local TAA Chapter (Greater New York Chapter) which covers much of New York State (https://tourette.org/chapter/ny-gr/). Services through the TAA Chapter include support groups, in-service presentations for schools, a youth ambassador program.