Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome

Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a childhood onset neurological disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. It may be associated with a number of co-morbidities including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive symptomatology, and behaviour disorders. Prevalence of TS is higher than previously thought, and may be present in up to 2% of the population. Tourette's syndrome has a significant genetic component. Inheritance may involve several mechanisms including autosomal dominant, bilinear, or polygenic mechanisms. Pathophysiology is still unknown, although is thought to involve striatocortical circuits. Treatment begins with modification of the work and home environment. For more severe cases, medications such as tetrabenazine and neuroleptics may be helpful. Treatment of co-morbidities needs to be considered, as these may result in more disability than the tics themselves.