Understanding the Pathophysiology of Tourette’s Syndrome: A Review

Abstract

Tourette’s syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopment disease typified by deterioration of motor and vocal tics which leads to neuropsychiatric symptoms and impaired motor activities manifestation. Several lines of study indicate the interplay of genetic and environmental factors to be involved in this complex neuropsychiatric syndrome. Approximately 1% people are affected worldwide from this syndrome. In this review, a concise outline presented on the classification, its clinical features and neuropsychiatric co-morbidities linked with this syndrome. This paper also highlights the neurochemistry, dysfunction of (Cortioc-Striato-Thalamo-Cortical) CSTC circuits in TS and an overview on the management approach towards the prevention of TS. Regardless of the major improvements in the understanding of exact cellular and molecular basis of TS, the various evidence indicate that the various neurotransmitter such as dopamine, glutamate, gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin, noradrenergic, cholinergic system, serotonergic system and histaminergic pathways play a major role in pathogenesis of TS. Several research indicates that the dysfunction of CSTS circuits occurred in this complex syndrome These areas of research have contributed to the therapeutic approach towards the management of TS and also provide the basis for future progress of the therapeutic strategies. Thus, tics generated in TS, which affect the social and academic life of patients and disruptive or troubling the family of patients. Patients existing with this syndrome have to face difficulties integrating into social life and coping with day to day basis activities, as a consequence of the syndrome.