Deep brain stimulation in Tourette's Syndrome

Neurotherapeutics. 2008 Apr;5(2):339-44. doi: 10.1016/j.nurt.2008.01.009.

Abstract

Tourette's Syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics, often associated with behavioral disorders. Symptoms often disappear before or during adulthood. The pathophysiology of TS is still a matter of considerable debate. Current knowledge of cortico-basal ganglia-thalamocortical circuits provide explanations for the beneficial effects of deep brain stimulation (DBS) on tics. When conservative treatment fails in patients with severe TS, DBS may be a therapeutic option. In 1999, thalamic DBS was introduced for intractable TS. Since then, multiple targets have been used in a small number of patients, including the globus pallidus pars interna and the nucleus accumbens. Inclusion and exclusion criteria have been formulated to identify good candidates for DBS.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Deep Brain Stimulation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Tourette Syndrome / therapy*