Familial paroxysmal kinesigenic choreo-athetosis in a child with visual hallucinations and obsessive-compulsive...

A teenage male is described, in whom Tourette Syndrome was suspected, which was later replaced by attacks of paroxysmal kinesigenic choreo-athetosis. He also exhibited bizarre, episodic perceptual distortions of his visual environment and manifestations of an obsessive-compulsive disorder. Carbamazepine treatment not only completely eliminated the recurring attacks of his choreo-athetosis but also, contrary to expectations, the visual disturbances and even the symptoms of his obsessive-compulsive disorder. Obsessive compulsive disorder should be searched for by direct questioning in all patients with basal ganglia disorders.