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Basics

Sarah M. Roddy, MD


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

EPIDEMIOLOGY

Incidence

Prevalence

The prevalence is unknown, but it is estimated that 200,000 Americans have the most severe form of TS.

RISK FACTORS

Genetics

TS is a genetic disorder with an unclear mode of inheritance, but evidence suggests polygenic inheritance.

GENERAL PREVENTION

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY

There is faulty inhibition of the cortical–subcortical pathways resulting from a complicated interplay of mainly dopamine but also gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, serotonergic, noradrenergic and cholinergic pathways.

ETIOLOGY

COMMONLY ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

Diagnosis

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

PHYSICAL EXAM

There are no diagnostic findings on exam. The patient may suppress the tics during the exam, and none may be witnessed. The patient should be observed when leaving the visit since the suppressed tics may be released then.

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND INTERPRETATION

Lab

Initial Lab Tests

Imaging

Initial Approach

Neuroimaging studies do not show any structural abnormalities and are not helpful in making the diagnosis.

Follow-Up & Special Considerations

An EEG may rarely be needed to make sure that a motor tic is not seizure activity.

Pathological Findings

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Treatment

TREATMENT

MEDICATION

First Line

Second Line

ADDITIONAL TREATMENT

General Measures

Additional Therapies

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES

SURGERY/OTHER PROCEDURES

Deep brain stimulation has been helpful in some patients refractory to medical management. The criteria for identifying patients who will have the greatest benefit from this procedure have not been determined.

IN-PATIENT CONSIDERATIONS

Admission Criteria

It is very unusual for patients with TS to require admission for their symptoms.

Ongoing Care

ONGOING-CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

Patient Monitoring

Patients with mild symptoms who do not need medications can be followed on an as-needed basis. Patients with more severe symptoms will need follow-up every few weeks to months to monitor medication response, school progress, and psychosocial issues.

DIET

There is no special diet that helps the tics.

PATIENT EDUCATION

PROGNOSIS

COMPLICATIONS

Tics can lead to muscle soreness and strain and rarely dislocation of a bone.

Additional Reading

Codes

CODES

ICD9

Clinical Pearls

References

  1. Singer HS. Treatment of tics and Tourette syndrome. Curr Treat Options Neurol 2010;12:539–561.
  2. Pringsheim T, Marras C. Pimozide for tics in Tourette's syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009;CD006996.
  3. Eddy CM, Rickards HE, Cavanna AE. Treatment strategies for tics in Tourette syndrome. Ther Adv Neurol Disord 2011;4:25–45.