High School mystery illness may be spreading through social media

By vivian m 08/02/2012 15:33:00 // Health | High School mystery illness may be spreading through social media

// Font size:

High School mystery illness may be spreading through social media

The search for answers continues in the LeRoy High School mystery illness case, and one expert's new hypothesis proposes that symptoms may be spreading through social media.

Currently, over a dozen teen girls and one adult have reported experiencing the same Tourette's-like symptoms of twtiching, tics, and uncontrollable verbal outbursts. With the case now generating a great deal of media attention and public interest, some of the teens affected have been posting videos of their symptoms on YouTube, Facebook and other social networking channels.

University of Buffalo neurology professor Dr. David Lichter suggests that the spread of the symptoms may be caused by students unconsciously mimicking symptoms that they've seen in videos uploaded onto social media sites, WKBW News reports.

Lichter told WKBW: "I think you do have the potential for people going online and witnessing other student's behavior, then I think this medium has the potential to spread it beyond the immediate environment."

Thus far, the illness has been diagnosed as conversion disorder (formerly known as "mass hysteria"), which is the physical expression of psychological stress.

Angry and confused LeRoy parents gathered at a public meeting this weekend to demand answers about whether the school is safe. After extensive testing, the school district reported finding no environmental cause for the symptoms. Results of the testing have all come back negative. A team of environmentalists, led by Erin Brockovich, are testing soil samples to see if the illness could be related to a chemical spill from a train wreck near the school years earlier.

Tagged : LeRoy High School, social media, mystery illness, high school illness, Tourette, Tourettes, David Lichter

Only 20% of Blacks HIV Positive Have Their Virus in Check

Is the Caffeine in Energy Drinks Fatal?

Headlines Newsview all

Usher Reuniting With Jermaine Dupri For New Album

Jermaine Dupri and Usher created classic music as a duo. Together they created the album “Confessions,” which is hailed as a classic and remains Usher’s ... Full story

Pilar Sanders Loses Custody Of Daughter

Just one week after losing custody of her two sons to NFL legend Deion Sanders, Pilar Sanders has also lost custody of the couple’s daughter, ... Full story

Tank Ft. Chris Brown ‘Shots Fired’

R&B crooners Tank and Chris Brown teamed up again to present adoring fans with “Shots Fired”– a sexy upbeat tune that is sure to keep ... Full story

Justin Timberlake Destroys Records With ’20/20 Experience’ & Confirms Vol.2

Justin Timberlake is like the gift that keeps on giving. His new album The 20/20 Experience just hit stores today, but he recently announced that ... Full story

How To Flirt With Strangers Without Being Creepy

Psychology Today conducted a study on love-at-first-sight. Believe it or not, Wal-Mart topped the list of places where people encounter irresistible strangers. The study was ... Full story

Lil Wayne Leaves Hospital

After spending nearly a week in the Intensive Care Unit of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Lil Wayne was allowed to go home today, reports TMZ. Birdman ... Full story

Angela Simmons Unveils Visuals For Her New Clothing Line

When we think of Angela Simmons the first two words that come to mind are businesswoman and fashionista. She’s always been serious about expanding her ... Full story