Gilles de la Tourette syndrome.

The study of childhood movement disorders is still in an early stage. Tics and related disorders are recognized as one of the most common movement disorders. This contribution reviews the main clinical, epidemiological, pathophysiological, and treatment issues on tics and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome. Although these disorders are not life threatening, they may be psychologically or functionally disabling. Early diagnosis and special management permit the alleviation of symptoms.