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Neuroimaging Applications in Tourette's Syndrome
Davide Martino1, Christos Ganos2, Yulia Worbe3
1Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada.
International Review of Neurobiology
|November 27, 2018
Summary
Tourette syndrome (TS) involves neurodevelopmental tics and premonitory urges. Neuroimaging studies reveal brain network alterations and anatomical markers, aiding in understanding TS sub-phenotypes and behavioral comorbidities.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Tics are hyperkinetic symptoms linked to premonitory urges, with Tourette syndrome (TS) being the primary chronic tic disorder.
- Animal models and human studies implicate the cortico-basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical network in tic generation.
- TS presents a complex phenotype with diverse abnormal behaviors and potential neurochemical underpinnings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the neurobiological basis of Tourette syndrome using various neuroimaging techniques.
- To identify neuroanatomical and functional markers for subtyping TS and understanding its spectrum.
- To investigate the neural correlates of premonitory urges and behavioral comorbidities in TS.
Main Methods:
- Event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to observe brain activity during tic-related tasks.
- Structural MRI studies (volumetric, cortical thickness) to identify anatomical differences.
- Resting-state functional connectivity, MR-spectroscopy, and positron emission tomography (PET) for further neurobiological insights.
Main Results:
- fMRI studies show supplementary motor area involvement in tic preparation and execution.
- Structural MRI highlights anatomical markers associated with TS sub-phenotypes.
- Evidence suggests links between premonitory urges and somatosensory/insular regions.
- Combined MRI approaches may differentiate TS patients from controls.
- Neurotransmitter systems (dopamine, GABA, glutamate) are implicated, though findings are inconsistent.
- Neuroimaging supports subtyping TS based on behavioral comorbidities and a dimensional approach.
Conclusions:
- Neuroimaging techniques provide valuable insights into the neural mechanisms underlying Tourette syndrome.
- Identifying neuroanatomical and functional endophenotypes can aid in classifying TS subtypes and comorbidities.
- A dimensional approach to neuropsychiatric disorders, supported by neuroimaging, may refine TS classification.