Imaging evidence for anatomical disturbances and neuroplastic compensation in persons with Tourette syndrome.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a disorder of chronic motor and vocal tics that begins in childhood.

Methods

A systematic Medline search was conducted to identify existing anatomical imaging studies in persons with TS.

Results

Thirty studies were identified, and their methods and findings were reviewed. Findings of reduced caudate volumes across the life span and thinning of sensorimotor cortices that is proportional with tic severity in children with TS implicate these regions in the genesis of tics. Hypertrophy of limbic and prefrontal cortices and a smaller corpus callosum accompany fewer symptoms in children with TS, likely representing an activity-dependent plasticity within these regions that help to modulate tic severity.

Conclusion

Although existin

SUBMITTER: Plessen KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4283588 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature