Tourette's syndrome in children: Neurobiological issues in pathophysiology

In recent decades significant advances in the understanding of neurobiologi cal substrates of Tourette's Syndrome (TS) have led to the formulation of h ypotheses regarding the ways in which the most salient features of the synd rome may occur. Pathophysiology of TS involves multiple intertwined neurobi ological issues in different areas of the Central Nervous System. This revi ew considers neuroimaging studies (MRI, PET, SPECT) in patients with TS. Ne urochemical neurophysiological and electrophysiological studies are also re viewed. The role of the neuroendocrine and neuroimmunologic mechanism on pa thogenesis of the disease is discussed. Advances in diagnostic techniques ( fMRI, mMRI, PET, SPECT) and in neurophysiological research on neurotransmit ter systems will allow us to better understand the pathophysiology of TS an d to use more specific treatments.