PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This update summarizes progress in understanding Tourette 
syndrome clinical characteristics, etiology, and treatment over the past year.
RECENT FINDINGS: Premonitory sensory phenomena were found to have important 
impacts on Tourette syndrome quality of life. A rare genetic form of Tourette 
syndrome due to L-histidine-decarboxylase mutation, with similar features in 
human and rodent, has inspired new research on functional anatomy of Tourette 
syndrome. In response to new data, treatment guidelines have been revised to 
include behavioral therapy as first-line treatment. Novel dopamine receptor 
antagonists aripiprazole and ecopipam have shown potential efficacy - as well as 
tolerability concerns. Recent work has suggested efficacy and tolerability of 
topiramate and fluphenazine, but more rigorous studies are needed to further 
understand their role in Tourette syndrome management. Recent consensus 
guidelines explain when deep brain stimulation can be considered for severe 
refractory cases under a multidisciplinary team.
SUMMARY: More research is needed to identify better tolerated treatments for, to 
understand pathophysiology or functional anatomy of, and to predict or influence 
longitudinal outcome of Tourette syndrome.