Tourette's syndrome following a severe head injury suffered during adolescence. Report of two cases; [Síndrome de tourette consecutivo a un grave traumatismo craneal sufrido durante la adolescencia. Reporte de dos casos]

Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) is known to be a neuropsychiatric syndrome that manifests itself mainly in children and adoles-centswith tics, and is frequently associated with behavioral problems. Neurophysiological dysfunctions linked to neuro-developmental pathology of the basal ganglia and the associated neuronal network has been a focus of interest in the study of TS. It has been suggested that TS may result from a defect or damage in this area, caused by various risk factors on neurotransmission. Possible accused causal agents include: genetic factors, trauma at birth, concussion, stroke, infections and psychotropic drugs. Studies have shown that approximately one in three TS patients do not acquire this disorder genetically. In more severe cases of TS, reports have revealed incidents of trauma, dating back to the childhood of patients. In this study, we present two cases of TS, one male and one female patients with no known previous medical history of TS. According to the medical history and to the medical records available, the tics and other symptoms have developed in the adolescence of both patients, following severe head trauma in severe road traffic accidents. These two cases support the view of multi-factorial aetiology in TS. We have emphasized the impact of severe head trauma on neuro-psycho-development process in childhood and adolescence in TS. © 2015, Ediciones Medicas del Sur S.R.L.. All rights reserved.