tourette’s/dbs - ucsd cognitive science · tourette’s syndrome a disorder from the nervous...
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{Tourette’s/DBS
Andrea KangCOGS 11
Tourette’s Syndrome A disorder from the nervous system that involves uncontrollable, repetitive movement, as well as unwanted sounds
Common symptoms are multiple physical tics as well as vocal tics
Can be associated with other disorders such as ADHD
What is Tourettes?
Examples of Tourettes
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) A treatment intended to reduce tremor and uncontrollable movement by altering brain circuitry
Small electric shocks are sent to the thalamus and/or the globuspallidus
What is DBS?
It’s possible that DBS can treat Tourette Syndrome due to its success in treating other disorders such as Parkinson’s disease
Since DBS can take place in either the thalamus or the globus pallidus, it could also alter the circuitry of the basal ganglia, which is associated with Tourettes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kQ1sGShpC0
Why connect the two?
A structure of two halves located between the cerebral cortex and midbrain
Consists of various thalamic nuclei areas (some of which are considered neuron clusters)
One of four parts of a nuclear complex – along with the hypothalamus, epithalamus, and prethalamus
The thalamus
For essential tremor (not Parkinson’s Disease), electrodes that are connected to an Impulse Generator (IPG) are placed in the thalamus
After the electrodes are activated, the IPG sends electrical pulses to the thalamus, which blocks the impulses that cause the tremors
Technically, DBS can be considered a way to inactivate the thalamus
Why the thalamus?
Also known as basal nuclei A group of structures that are connected to the thalamus in the base of the forebrain
It is implied that it’s primary function is action selection
Created the circuit that connects it with the cortex and the thalamus (they are the main participants of said circuit)
The basal ganglia
As stated, the basal ganglia is in charge of motor‐controlled planning, as well as the initiation or termination of actions
Dysfunction of the basal ganglia could lead to Tourette’s, along with other disorders
It also consists of the globuspallidus, which is involved in DBS
How does it relate?
A major part of the basal ganglia core (shares its importance with the striatum)
Its primary function is to regulate voluntary movement (movement on the subconscious level)
Is connected to the subthalamus in terms of their functions
Its inhibitory actions balance the excitatory actions the cerebellum has
The globus pallidus
Just like with the thalamus, an electrode is placed in the globus pallidus
However, unlike the thalamus, it is used for any symptoms caused from Parkinson’s Disease
Why is it involved in DBS?
Antipsychotics, such as pimozide, are known to be acceptable in treating Tourette’s
There are also medications that treat the tics caused by Tourette’s (only controlling the symptoms, however) – they can also cure other disorders
Any other treatments?
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