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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffThe exact cause of Tourette syndrome isn't known, and there's no known way to prevent it. Tourette is a complex syndrome, likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Theories about the causes of Tourette include:
- Genetics. Tourette syndrome may be an inherited disorder. The specific genes involved in Tourette syndrome are still being defined, although one genetic mutation has been identified as a rare cause of Tourette syndrome.
- Brain abnormalities. Certain chemicals in the brain that transmit nerve impulses (neurotransmitters) may play a role, including dopamine and serotonin.
References
- Tourette syndrome. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/tourette/default.htm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2010.
- Jankovic, J. Tourette syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Jan. 11, 2010.
- Tourette syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tourette/detail_tourette.htm. Accessed Jan. 10, 2010.
- Tourette syndrome. Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition=tourettesyndrome/show/print. Accessed Jan. 22, 2010.
- Cavanna AE, et al. The behavioral spectrum of Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. 2009;21:13.
- Tourette syndrome: Frequently asked questions. Tourette Syndrome Association. http://www.tsa-usa.org/Medical/Faqs.html. Accessed Jan. 22,2010.
- Conolea CA, et al. The influence of contextual factors on tic expression in Tourette's syndrome: A review Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 2008;65:487.
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