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Tics, Tourette’s Syndrome, and Current Therapies Review—Current Pediatric Report

  • Neurology (D Stephenson, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

ᅟ

Tourette syndrome and tic disorders are characterized by Tics—both motor and vocal. They are of childhood onset and considered to be neurodevelopmental disorders. Tics are preceded by premonitory urges with subsequent relief. These disorders often result in lower quality of life for patients, especially when presentation is severe.

Purpose of This Review

The purpose of this review is to understand recent definitions of tic disorders and Tourette syndromes, diagnostic criteria, pathophysiology, and treatments.

Recent Findings

Most recent definitions are part of the DSM V. The mechanism of tics is thought to be related to excitatory and inhibitory imbalances of the dopaminergic system, within the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit. The mainstay of treatments are pharmacologic, with more recent treatments including behavioral modification therapies.

Summary

Understanding the mechanism of tics and Tourette syndrome and most effective treatments can help in finding prevention strategies, and optimal management, thereby improve quality of life in the affected patients.

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References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    Kripa Sundararajan

Authors
  1. Kripa Sundararajan
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Kripa Sundararajan.

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Conflict of Interest

Kripa Sundararajan declares no potential conflicts of interest.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Neurology

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Sundararajan, K. Tics, Tourette’s Syndrome, and Current Therapies Review—Current Pediatric Report. Curr Pediatr Rep 5, 73–76 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-017-0129-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40124-017-0129-4

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