Özgür Akşan
İstanbul Aydın University, Department of Neurosurgery, İstanbul
Abstract:
In this study, a case of cervical myelopathy caused by severe motor tics in a 17-year-old patient with Tourette syndrome (TS) is examined. Cervical myelopathy is thought to develop as a result of excessive strain on the spine due to repetitive motor tics. After the surgical intervention, significant improvement was achieved in controlling motor tics and in the amelioration of neurological symptoms. This study emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of such conditions, which, although rare, can lead to serious complications in patients with TS. Background: Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder that begins in childhood and is characterized by various motor and vocal tics. Patients with TS typically exhibit tic symptoms in the early years of life, with these symptoms often intensifying during adolescence. Severe tics, especially those involving repetitive movements of the head and neck, can lead to traumatic effects on the spine, resulting in serious complications such as myelopathy. This study examines a rare case of such a complication caused by TS. Materials and Methods: In this case study, a 17-year-old male patient with Tourette syndrome presented with severe motor tics leading to cervical myelopathy. The patient presented with symptoms including weakness in the left arm and spasticity in the legs, and an MRI scan revealed a hyperintense lesion at the C4-5 level. Surgically, posterior fixation from C3 to C7 was performed, and a cervical collar was used postoperatively. The clinical course of the patient and the progression of his tics before and after surgical intervention were evaluated in detail. Results: Significant improvement was observed in the strength of the patient's left arm and in the spasticity of the legs, with the Babinski reflex and clonus in the left ankle disappearing after surgery. Additionally, there was a marked decrease in the frequency of motor tics in the neck region. These findings demonstrate that early surgical intervention can successfully manage cervical myelopathy associated with Tourette syndrome. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of recognizing and treating cervical myelopathy, a rare but serious complication caused by severe motor tics in patients with Tourette syndrome. Early diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention play a critical role in the management of such complications. This underscores the need to consider Tourette syndrome not only as a psychiatric disorder but also as a condition that can lead to neurological complications.
Keywords:Tourette Syndrome, Motor Tics, Cervical Myelopathy, Neurosurgery, Surgical Treatment