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

^*Vahdet Gül
Medicine, Mengücek Gazi Teaching Hospital, Erzincan University, Erzincan, Turkey

^*Corresponding Author:

Vahdet Gül
Medicine, Mengücek Gazi Teaching Hospital, Erzincan University, Erzincan, Turkey
Email:vgul@erzincan.edu.tr

Published on: 2014-11-22

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.

Keywords

Tourette's syndrome; Severe head trauma; Tics; Adolescence

Introduction

TS is a childhood or adolescent onset neuropsychiatric developmental disorder, characterized by the presence of multiple motor tics and one (or more) vocal tic, which tend to fluctuate in intensity. The prevalence of TS is estimated at 0.5-1,5 % in children and adolescents.