Case study: worsening Tourette's disorder or withdrawal dystonia?

J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1998 Jul;37(7):785-8. doi: 10.1097/00004583-199807000-00019.

Abstract

This case report focuses on withdrawal dystonia, a movement disorder associated with neuroleptics. Its occurrence in a patient with Tourette's disorder complicated the clinical picture. A misinterpretation of the symptoms led to ineffective management of the movement disorder. The presence of increased blinking with facial pain, dystonic movements, and other facial movements at each neuroleptic dose reduction pointed toward withdrawal dystonia rather than toward a worsening of Tourette's disorder. Implications for diagnosis and treatment are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Dyskinesia, Drug-Induced / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome
  • Tourette Syndrome / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents