Tics in Tourette Syndrome: New Treatment Options

Abstract

Tourette Syndrome is a familial neurobehavioral disorder characterized by fluctuating involuntary motor and/or vocal tics. The most commonly used medications to treat Tourette's syndrome are haloperidol, pimozide, fluphenazine, and clonidine, all of which may have considerable side effects. We enrolled 450 patients with tics/Tourette's syndrome to be treated with baclofen/botolinum toxin type A for their symptoms. Global severity of tic symptoms was rated by the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale and a quantified videotaped micro-structured analysis of tics. We found that baclofen/botolinum toxin type A are very effective, safe, and reliable in the treatment of tics/Tourette's syndrome. It is worthwhile considering this treatment approach in patients with tics/Tourette's syndrome in order to reduce or avoid the side effects of other medications. Further studies, however, are required.