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Treatment of tics associated with Tourette syndrome

  • Neurology and Preclinical Neurological Studies - Review Article
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Abstract

Motor and phonic tics associated with Tourette syndrome (TS) can range in severity from barely perceptible to disabling and most patients have a variety of behavioral co-morbidities, particularly, attention deficit disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Therefore, therapy must be tailored to the individual needs of the patients. In addition to behavioral therapy, oral medications such as alpha agonists, dopamine depletors, anti-psychotics, and topiramate are used to control the involuntary movements and noises. Botulinum toxin injections are particularly effective in patients with troublesome focal motor and phonic tics, including coprolalia. Deep brain stimulation may be considered for patients with “malignant” TS, that is, refractory to medical therapy. When appropriate therapy is selected and implemented, most patients with TS can achieve their full potential and lead essentially normal life.

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  1. Department of Neurology, Parkinson’s Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, 7200 Cambridge, Suite 9A, Houston, TX, 77030-4202, USA

    Joseph Jankovic

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Jankovic, J. Treatment of tics associated with Tourette syndrome. J Neural Transm 127, 843–850 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-019-02105-w

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