Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome

Abstract

Seven patients thought to have Gilles de la Tourette''s syndrome have been described. Each had a movement disorder and produced inarticulate utterances. Five demonstrated coprolalia and echolalia, and echokinesis was present in 1 of the 7 patients. In 6 patients, the symptoms began during the 1st decade of life. The longest known duration of symptoms was more than 28 years in 1 patient. Electroencephalographic abnormalities were present in 6 patients. These abnormalities suggest a pathophysiologic disturbance but are not specific for this condition. One of the patients was treated with diazepam (Valium), with some alleviation of symptoms. However, the other remedies employed with doubtful success indicate that the cause or causes and optimal treatment of this disorder remain unknown. Of the 5 patients whose condition could be followed after the initial examination, none was found to have had progression of symptoms.