Gilles De La Tourette Syndrome in One of a Set of Phenotypically Identical Twins: A Case Report with Literature Review

Ewere Marie Onyemekeihia-Ogbimi; Oghenekobiruo Wisdom Agboro; Benedict Nyerovwo Ogbimi; Ebiringa Blaise Anyanwu

doi:10.4314/ajtmbr.v8i1.11

Authors

Ewere Marie Onyemekeihia-Ogbimi Delta State University , Delta State University Author
Oghenekobiruo Wisdom Agboro Central hospital sapele Author
Benedict Nyerovwo Ogbimi Central hospital sapele Author
Ebiringa Blaise Anyanwu Delta State University , Delta State University Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/ajtmbr.v8i1.11

Keywords:

Tourette's Syndrome, Tics, Neuropsychiatry, Neurodevelopmental,, Phenotypically Identical Twins

Abstract

Introduction: Gilles de la Tourette’s syndrome (GTS), or Tourette’s syndrome (TS), is a neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric movement disorder characterized by multiple motor and one or more vocal/phonic tics. It has a childhood onset, and a diagnosis is usually made when symptoms have persisted for more than a year.

Case Presentation: A 24-year-old female, one of a pair of phenotypically identical twins, presented with verbal and motor tics, social difficulties, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Symptoms first appeared at age nine. There was no family history of tics, and her twin sister exhibited no symptoms.

Discussion: The aetiopathogenesis of GTS includes genetic and environmental factors such as infections, neuro-immunological factors, and perinatal complications. Earlier onset is associated with more severe symptoms. Females with GTS are less likely to experience remission during adolescence and may have greater functional impairment.

Conclusion: Individuals with GTS may experience learning and cognitive impairments. Clinicians should evaluate patients presenting with tics to ensure early diagnosis and appropriate management to reduce psychosocial impact.

Author Biographies

Ewere Marie Onyemekeihia-Ogbimi, Delta State University, Delta State University

Department of internal medicine
Oghenekobiruo Wisdom Agboro, Central hospital sapele

Department of internal medicine
Benedict Nyerovwo Ogbimi, Central hospital sapele

Department of obstetrics and gynaecology
Ebiringa Blaise Anyanwu, Delta State University, Delta State University

Department of family medicine

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