Tourette's Syndrome Following Severe Head Trauma Sustained during Adolescence: A Case Report

Abstract

Tourette's Syndrome (TS) is known to be a neuropsychiatric syndrome that manifests itself mainly in children and adolescentswith tics, and is frequently associated with behavioral problems. Neurophysiological dysfunctions linked to neuro-developmental pathology of the basal ganglia and the associated neuronal network has been a focus of interest in the study of TS. It has been suggested that TS may result from a defect or damage in this area, caused by various risk factors on neurotransmission. Possible accused causal agents include: genetic factors, trauma at birth, concussion, stroke, infections and psychotropic drugs. Studies have shown that approximately one in three TS patients do not acquire this disorder genetically. In more severe cases of TS, reports have revealed incidents of trauma, dating back to the childhood of patients.