DR. JOHN'S CASE NOTES............................................... The other day I was browsing through some old case notes, when I came across a disorder which seems to affect certain members within my club on a seemingly random basis. I recall at the time not being able to put a label on this disorder.............but then the penny dropped. It was all too obvious....these people suffered from IRRITABLE HOWELL SYNDROME. This only affects players who have serious problems with movements, and who would prefer to remain seated throughout the whole session. When they are not in a position to qualify for a sitting seat on medical grounds, they tend to plead with their first round opponents not to be the moving pair......usually with a degree of success. However, if they lose the cut and are compelled to move, the victims irritation soon becomes apparent ,but is usually manageable and kept under control. But what causes them to really lose control is when they hear the TD announcing an Howell movement. Because this automatically forces nearly every pair in the room to move, and the chances of anyone getting a sitting seat become very remote indeed. It is in these circumstances that the syndrome really locks in. Victims are then seen moving from table to table, moaning and groaning as they do so. This intensifies as the session wears on. Inevitably, their outbursts become more vociferous and louder when stairs are involved. Sadly, nothing can be done for these cantankerous sufferers. Hypnosis, which attempted to promote the idea that exercise might be good for them, was one of many therapies tried....but without any success whatsoever.