Tourette disorder

Question 1

Features

Answer 1

Also known as:

• Gilles de la Tourette syndrome or
• multiple tic disorder

Usually first appears in children between 4–15 yrs

• (average age onset 3–9 yrs)
• More common in boys

Has a prevalence of 1:10 000.

Familial: dominant gene with variable expression

Question 2

Clinical features

Answer 2

Bizarre multiple motor tics, e.g. eye blinking, limb jerking, facial grimacing

One or more vocal tics

Echolalia (repetition of words)

Coprolalia (compulsive utterances of obscene words)

Question 3

Treatment

Answer 3

Education and counselling of patient, parents and teachers

Refer to neurologist for therapy including CBT;

• consider anti-psychotic agents