Neuroimaging of tic disorders

Area of Science:

• Neuroimaging
• Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Network neuroscience

Background:

• Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) is increasingly viewed as a neurodevelopmental network disorder.
• Understanding the neural underpinnings of GTS requires synthesizing diverse neuroimaging findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize two decades of neuroimaging findings in GTS.
• To identify consistent neuroanatomical and functional network alterations in GTS across the lifespan.
• To establish a translational framework for GTS research and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of structural MRI studies (VBM, cortical thickness, white-matter measures).
• Analysis of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and tractography data.
• Synthesis of functional MRI (fMRI) findings on network dynamics.
• Integration of lesion-network mapping and coordinate-based network mapping.

Main Results:

• Heterogeneous gray-matter volume changes and consistent cortical thinning in motor/prefrontal areas.
• Altered white-matter integrity in fronto-striatal and interhemispheric pathways.
• Evidence for disrupted cortico-striato-pallido-thalamo-cortical and cerebello-cortical circuits.
• Convergent findings on a common tic-associated network across different methodologies.

Conclusions:

• GTS involves widespread alterations in brain structure and function across multiple networks.
• Neuroimaging provides a framework for understanding GTS pathophysiology and developing targeted interventions.
• Identification of network biomarkers holds promise for guiding neuromodulation and treatment strategies.