Gilles De La Tourette′s Syndrome : A Case Series Of 14 Patients From India

Abstract

Background: Gilles de la Tourette′s Syndrome (GTS) is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics associated with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This syndrome is often misdiagnosed as psychiatric disorder, therefore neuropsychiatric evaluation in patients suffering from it is very essential to make the correct diagnosis. Few reports, mostly single case reports of GTS from India have been published, this series attempts to define the clinical spectrum of patients from India. Aim : To study the clinical profile of patients with GTS in India. Setting and Design : Prospective hospital based study. Material and Methods : Ct scan of the head and EEG were done in all the 14 cases in addition to clinical history and detailed neurological examination. The diagnosis of GTS was made according to Tourette Syndrome Classification Study Criteria Group. Findings were statistically analyzed. Results : In all a total of 101 simple motor tics and 21 complex motor tics were observed in 14 cases. Most common site of simple motor tics was the facio-nuchal region (70%) and type was eyebrow raising seen in 10 cases (71%). Commonest type of complex motor tics nose blowing (35%). Vocal tics were found in all 14 cases, simple (56%), being more common than complex vocal tics i.e, coprolalia (42%). Throat clearing was found in (50%) cases and was the most positive in 28%. OCD was seen in 64% and ADHD in 28%. All the 14 cases Responded well to treatment. Conclusion : The clinical profile of patients in our case series is similar to those reported from the western countries with the exception of coprolalia, and ADHD, the incidence of which is higher in this case series.