Tourette Syndrome

Tourette Syndrome affects around 1% of children and is defined by a combination of chronic motor and vocal tics with a very wide range of complexity and severity. Most cases are associated with other co-morbidities such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The known contributory aetiological factors include complex genetics with possible contributions from the pre- and perinatal environment and neuro-immunological mechanisms related to group B streptococcal infections that are not yet definitively proven. If active treatment is required this can be with medication or behavioural methods although access to the latter is restricted due to limited availability of specialised psychologists. Drugs useful for tics include neuroleptics such as aripiprazole, clonidine. It is important to ensure that associated co-morbidities of OCD, ADHD and depression are also treated. This article aims to review the clinical features, aetiology and management of this condition in children.