Gilles-de-la-Tourette Syndrome in Childhood: A Comprehensive Review of Molecular, Neurobiological and Genetic Aspects | Chapter 5 | Medical Science: Recent Advances and Applications Vol. 7

Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder first described by Georges Gilles de la Tourette in 1885. This syndrome is characterised by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalisations known as tics. Animals often exhibit repetitive and predictable behaviours. These repetitive actions can be learned and become habits, which can be advantageous from an evolutionary standpoint as they reduce cognitive strain and attentional resources. Repetitive behaviours can also be intentional and conscious, occurring without habit formation, especially in normal child development or certain neuropsychiatric conditions. When these behaviours disrupt social interactions and daily functioning, they may be considered pathological. Conditions such as Gilles de la Tourette syndrome (GTS) can manifest as compulsive, stereotyped, and ritualistic behaviours.

 

GTS is a congenital disorder of the nervous system and are chracterised by involuntary movements and also tic-like vocal or speech expressions. The dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways are believed to play an important role in the development of GTS. The striatum nucleus in the basal ganglia is believed to play a key role in regulating these repetitive behaviors through its connections with various areas of the cortex. However, the specific mechanisms within the striatum, including its organisation, cellular functions, and connections, are still actively researched. At the cellular level, post-mortem studies have found a reduced number of parvalbumin-expressing and cholinergic interneurons. There is extensive evidence that the dopaminergic signal transmission in the striatum is disrupted.

 

This study aims to provide an overview of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome with special focus on molecular aspects, treatment options and recent research with a focus on new targets to treat this rare hereditary disorder in childhood. A multidisciplinary treatment approach is necessary, including drug medication, psychotherapy or deep brain stimulation with focusing on recent research treating this rare disease in childhood sufficiently.

 

Author(s) Details

Stefan Bittmann
Department of Pediatrics, Ped Mind Institute (PMI), Hindenburgring 4, D-48599 Gronau, Germany and Shangluo Vocational and Technical College, Shangluo, 726000, Shaanxi, China.

 

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