[Tics and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome].
BACKGROUND
Tourette syndrome is a neurologic disorder characterized by involuntary vocal and motor tics. It affects around 1 to 2% of school-age children and is the most common movement disorder in paediatric age. Tics are involuntary or semivoluntary, sudden, brief, intermittent, repetitive movements (motor tics) or sounds (phonic tics). It is often associated with psychiatric comorbidities, mainly attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Given its diverse presentation, Tourette's syndrome can almost mimic many hyperkinetic disorders, making the diagnosis challenging at times.


METHODS
The etiology of this syndrome is thought to be related to basal ganglia dysfunction and many clues have been pursued, both genetic and environmental factors, but no compelling major contribution to the pathogenesis of the disease has yet emerged. Treatment can be behavioural, pharmacologic, or surgical, and is dictated by the most incapacitating symptoms. Alpha-2-adrenergic agonists are the first line of pharmacologic therapy, but dopamine-receptor-blocking drugs are required for multiple, complex tics. Dopamine-receptor-blocking drugs are associated with potential side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
Appropriate diagnosis and treatment can substantially improve quality of life and psychosocial functioning in affected patients.
Tijero-Merino
B
B
Servicio de Neurología, Hospital de Cruces, Pl. Cruces, s/n. E-48903 Barakaldo, Vizcaya. España. beatriz_tijero@hotmail.com
Gómez-Esteban
J C
JC
Zarranz
J J
JJ
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001289:Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000502:physiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D009771:Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D020323:Tics / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005879:Tourette Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents