Related Experiment Videos
[Tourette's syndrome - a review].
F Riederer1, M Stamenkovic, S D Schindler
1Klinik fur Neurologie, Medizinische Universitat zu Lubeck, Germany.
Der Nervenarzt
|September 7, 2002
Summary
Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder causing involuntary motor and vocal tics. Research explores its genetic links with OCD and the role of brain pathways and neurotransmitters in TS.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Context:
- Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a childhood-onset neuropsychiatric disorder.
- Characterized by chronic motor and vocal tics, TS affects an estimated 4-5 per 10,000 individuals.
- High comorbidity exists with disorders like OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and affective disorders.
Purpose:
- Investigate the complex pathophysiology of Tourette's syndrome.
- Explore potential shared genetic etiologies between TS and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
- Examine the role of neurobiological systems and potential autoimmune mechanisms in TS.
Summary:
- Neuroimaging studies (MRI, PET, SPECT) suggest alterations in cortico-striato-pallido-thalamo-cortical circuits in TS.
- Dopaminergic neurotransmission is implicated in the underlying mechanisms of TS.
- Autoimmune factors, particularly those triggered by streptococcal infections, may contribute to specific TS and OCD subtypes, responding to immunomodulatory therapy.
Impact:
- Highlights the intricate neurobiological underpinnings of Tourette's syndrome.
- Suggests potential therapeutic avenues, including immune modulation for specific patient subgroups.
- Underscores the need for further research into effective and established treatment regimens for TS, beyond current antipsychotic use.