Increased midbrain gray matter in Tourette's syndrome

Ann Neurol. 2006 Feb;59(2):381-5. doi: 10.1002/ana.20765.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate cerebral structure in Tourette's syndrome (TS).

Methods: Voxel-based morphometry study of high-resolution MRIs in 31 TS patients compared with 31 controls.

Results: Increased gray matter mainly in the left mesencephalon in 31 TS patients.

Interpretation: This result constitutes strong and direct evidence supporting Devinsky's hypothesis (Devinsky O. Neuroanatomy of Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome. Possible midbrain involvement. Arch Neurol 1983;40:508-514) according to which midbrain disturbances play an important pathogenic role in TS.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Brain Mapping
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Mesencephalon / pathology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Tourette Syndrome / pathology*