Tourette's syndrome in patients referred for allergy evaluation.

BACKGROUND

Tourette's syndrome is a relatively common disorder that may present as a spectrum that can include both motor and behavioral features.

METHODS

We report four patients referred to allergists to rule out atopy as a reason fro their presumed respiratory symptoms who were subsequently found to have Tourette's syndrome. A review of the literature was also performed using Medline.

RESULTS

The symptoms of Tourette's syndrome may overlap those associated with allergy involving the respiratory tract. There is little published information on the association of Tourette's syndrome with atopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Allergists should be aware of Tourette's syndrome and the variable clinical spectrum of this disorder as Tourette's syndrome patients may be referred prior to the diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome.