Tourette Syndrome Deep Brain Stimulation Research Articles

Surgical Concepts and Long-term Outcomes of Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation in Patients with Severe Tourette Syndrome: A Single-center Experience.

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a developmental neuropsychiatric disorder that is characterized by tic movements. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be a treatment option for severe cases refractory to medical and behavioral therapies. In this study, we reviewed the surgical techniques used for DBS in patients with severe TS and its clinical outcomes and sought to determine the optimal surgical procedure and current issues based on our experience and the literature. A total of 14 patients, consisting of 13 men and 1 woman, who underwent centromedian thalamic DBS and were followed up for a mean duration of 2.3 ± 1.0 years, participated in this study. The mean Yale Global Tic Severity Scale severity score significantly improved from 41.4 ± 7.0 at baseline to 19.8 ± 11.4 at 6 months (P = 0.01) and 12.7 ± 6.2 at the last follow-up (P < 0.01). Moreover, the mean Yale Global Tic Severity Scale impairment score significantly improved from 47.1 ± 4.7 at baseline to 23.1 ± 11.1 at 6 months (P < 0.01) and 7.6 ± 2.9 at the last follow-up (P < 0.01). However, there were problems with continuous postoperative monitoring (three cases were lost to follow-up) and surgery-related adverse events, including one case each of lead misplacement and a delayed intracerebral hemorrhage due to severe self-injurious tics. This study aimed to highlight not only the clinical efficacy of DBS for TS but also its challenges. Clinicians should understand the three-dimensional brain anatomy so that they can perform precise surgical procedures, avoid adverse events, and achieve favorable outcomes of DBS for TS.

Deep brain stimulation for Tourette syndrome: modulation of the limbic-motor interface network.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an effective treatment for medically refractory Tourette syndrome (TS). Several effective targets have been reported, but there is still controversy about the networks involved in the efficacy of DBS for TS. Here, the authors aimed to identify the basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical networks associated with tic and obsessive-compulsive behavior (OCB) improvement and the network link between the two main targets for TS. A retrospective analysis of 21 patients treated with pallidal and thalamic DBS was performed. Tics and OCB scores were recorded before and after DBS. The authors localized the electrodes in standard MNI (Montreal Neurological Institute) space and calculated the volume of tissue activated with the settings at the last follow-up to obtain areas of maximal improvement ("sweet spots") among all patients for the pallidal and thalamic targets. Tractography was used to show the white matter pathways associated with maximal tic and OCB improvement. Ten patients treated with pallidal DBS and 11 patients treated with thalamic DBS were included. Responder rates were 80% in the pallidal and 64% in the thalamic target groups. Sweet spots for tics and OCB clustered in several areas across the basal ganglia and thalamus delineated two main networks. Tic reduction in the pallidal target mapped to a limbic pallidothalamic network and in the thalamic target to the premotor thalamocortical network. Putting these two networks together will form the main output of the so-called limbic-motor interface network. However, OCB reduction mapped a dorsomedial prefrontal cortex/dorsal anterior cingulate (dmPFC/dACC) network. The authors demonstrated the involvement of the limbic-motor interface network during effective DBS for tics in patients with TS. OCB redution was associated with the additional involvement of dmPFC/dACC connections passing dorsal to the head of the globus pallidus pars externa on its way to the thalamus and midbrain.

One-year Outcomes of Deep Brain Stimulation in Refractory Tourette Syndrome in Korea.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is one option for treating refractory TS; however, it remains unclear which preoperative factors are predictive of DBS outcomes. This study investigated the efficacy of DBS targeting the anteromedial globus pallidus internus (amGPi) and evaluated predisposing factors affecting the outcomes of DBS in a single center in Korea. Twenty patients who had undergone DBS for refractory TS were reviewed retrospectively. Tic symptoms were followed up at 3-months intervals for up to 1 year after surgery. The Yale Global Tic Severity Score (YGTSS) was used to evaluate preoperative/postoperative tic symptoms. Scores from the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were also evaluated. Patients with refractory TS achieved improvement in tic symptoms within 1 year after DBS. Initial responders who achieved a 35% reduction in YGTSS total score within the first 3 months after DBS showed larger treatment effects during 1-year follow up. Although no clinical or demographic factors were predictive of initial responses, patients with serious self-injurious behaviors tended to show delayed responses. This is the first study to report the DBS outcomes of 20 TS patients in a single center in Asia. Our study supports the efficacy of DBS targeting amGPi in refractory TS with no evident serious adverse events. Initial responses after DBS seem to be a predictor of long-term outcomes after surgery. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Efficacy of deep brain stimulation of the anterior-medial globus pallidus internus in tic and non-tic related symptomatology in refractory Tourette syndrome

IntroductionAlthough refractory Tourette Syndrome (TS) is rare, it poses great challenges in clinical practice. Co-morbid psychiatric symptoms often occur, negatively impacting quality of life. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting different brain structures seems effective for tics, but specific literature regarding response of psychiatric symptoms is more limited.This study aimed to assess the outcome of tics and non-tic related symptomatology in refractory TS treated with antero-medial globus pallidus interna (amGPi) DBS. MethodsWe included all patients with refractory TS (January 2013–August 2020) from the Brain Nerve Centre and Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria, South Africa, treated with bilateral amGPi DBS; retrospective baseline, early (up to 3 months) post-DBS follow-up assessment data, as well as prospective data from the latest follow-up (mean 37.4 months) were collected using standardised scoring tools and scales. ResultsFive patients were identified. Tics decreased by 63,9% (p = 0,002); quality of life improved by 39,8% (p = 0,015); self-injurious behaviour ceased; obsessive–compulsive symptoms resolved in all but one. The number of different chronic medications used more than halved. Transient stimulation-related adverse events occurred in four patients. ConclusionThis study contributes to the data of the efficacy of amGPi-targeted DBS in refractory TS, showing improvement in quality of life and both tic- and non-tic-related symptomatology..

A novel local field potential-based functional approach for targeting the centromedian-parafascicular complex for deep brain stimulation

BackgroundThe centromedian-parafascicular (Cm-Pf) complex of the thalamus is a common deep brain stimulation (DBS) target for treatment of Tourette syndrome (TS). Currently, there are no standardized functional intraoperative neurosurgical targeting approaches. Collectively, these issues have led to variability in DBS lead placement. Therefore, more defined methods are needed to improve targeting accuracy. ObjectiveThe objective of this observational study was to develop and to verify a functional mapping task capable of differentiating the Cm-Pf region from the nearby ventral intermediate (Vim) nucleus region of the thalamus. The overarching goal was to improve the reproducibility of DBS targeting in the Cm-Pf region. MethodsSeven TS patients completed a modified Go/NoGo task (five in the post-operative setting and two in the intra-operative setting). Post-operative neural signals from Cm-Pf region were collected using sensing-enabled implanted neural stimulators, and intraoperative neural signals from the Cm-Pf region were collected using an external amplifier. Event-related potential (ERP) features were identified by using the grand-average of stimulus onset signals derived from the postoperative participants. These features were correlated with anatomical locations for the specific electrode recordings. The same features were extracted from the intraoperative patients in order to verify electrode positions in the operating room environment. ResultsTwo features – a positive and a negative deflection – were identified in the average ERP from the post-operative participants. The peak amplitudes of both features were significantly correlated with the electrode depth position (p = 0.025 for positive deflection and p = 0.039 for negative deflection). The same result was reproduced intra-operatively in the two most recent patients, where more ventral electrode contacts revealed stronger peak amplitudes in comparison to the dorsal electrode contacts. ConclusionThis process was used to physiologically confirm accurate lead placement in the operating room setting. The modified Go/NoGo task elicited robust neural responses in the Cm-Pf region however the signal was not present in the Vim nucleus region of thalamus along the DBS electrode trajectory. We conclude that the differences in ERP responses may be a potentially novel LFP based functional approach for future targeting of the Cm-Pf complex for TS DBS.

Deep Brain Stimulation for Tourette Syndrome: Potential Role in the Pediatric Population

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder. Despite an expected natural history of improvement with age, many individuals continue to have severe tics and remain refractory to the current best pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as a potential treatment option. This article reviews the published reports on the use of deep brain stimulation in Tourette syndrome revealing that 2 anatomical targets have been most commonly used: the centromedian thalamus and the globus pallidus internus. The evidence supports a significant clinical improvement of tics with deep brain stimulation, though the data are limited by the small number of patients and variable methodology employed. To bridge these limitations, the international Tourette syndrome deep brain stimulation database and registry have been created, fostering collaboration among multiple centers from 10 countries. By standardizing data collection, the database and registry are providing valuable insights into deep brain stimulation for Tourette syndrome. In conclusion, deep brain stimulation offers significant promise for the management of tics.

CM-Pf deep brain stimulation and the long term management of motor and psychiatric symptoms in a case of Tourette syndrome

Tourette syndrome is a rare neuropsychiatric disorder affecting the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical system. The disease manifests in childhood with tics and various psychiatric comorbidities. Cases of refractory Tourette syndrome are valuable candidates for functional neurosurgery. The thalamic centromedian-parafascicular complex is an experimental target that shows a promising role in Tourette syndrome deep brain stimulation, due to pathophysiologic evidences. We have shown on a long term follow-up, that thalamic deep brain stimulation, targeted on the centromedian-parafascicular complex, could modulate motor (i.e. tics) symptoms and owns a putative effect on various psychiatric aspects. Non-responding psychiatric symptoms could be due to the aberrant developmental environment of young Tourette patients more than disease itself. Centromedian-parafascicular complex is intriguingly embedded in motor, associative and limbic pathways and should be further investigated in his role for neuromodulation of human movement and behavior.

Sensory phenomena and obsessive-compulsive symptoms in Tourette syndrome following deep brain stimulation: Two case reports

Here, we assess sensory phenomena (SP) and obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCS) in two patients with refractory Tourette syndrome (TS) before and after deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting the centromedian-parafascicular complex (CM-Pfc)-ventral oral nuclei of the bilateral thalami. Based on changes in these clinical features, we also aimed to elucidate useful information regarding the use of DBS in TS. We administered the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) to assess tics, the Premonitory Urge for Tics Scale (PUTS) for premonitory urges, the University of São Paulo Sensory Phenomena Scale (USP-SPS) for broader SP, the Dimensional Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DY-BOCS) for OCS, and the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale for global functioning. We report on two male patients who showed consistent improvement in tics, premonitory urges, and global functioning two years after DBS. In contrast, there were differences between the patients in broader SP, including “just right” perceptions, and OCS. Our results suggest that systematic assessment of a wide range of SP and OCS dimensions is necessary to elucidate the usefulness of DBS in TS.

Refining the Deep Brain Stimulation Target within the Limbic Globus Pallidus Internus for Tourette Syndrome

Background: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) in patients with severe, refractory Tourette syndrome (TS) has demonstrated promising but variable results thus far. The thalamus and anteromedial globus pallidus internus (amGPi) have been the most commonly stimulated sites within the cortico-striato thalamic circuit, but an optimal target is yet to be elucidated. Objectives: This study of 15 patients with long-term amGPi DBS for severe TS investigated whether a specific anatomical site within the amGPi correlated with optimal clinical outcome for the measures of tics, obsessive compulsive behaviour (OCB), and mood. Methods: Validated clinical assessments were used to measure tics, OCB, quality of life, anxiety, and depression before DBS and at the latest follow-up (17-82 months). Electric field simulations were created for each patient using information on electrode location and individual stimulation parameters. A subsequent regression analysis correlated these patient-specific simulations to percentage changes in outcome measures in order to identify any significant voxels related to clinical improvement. Results: A region within the ventral limbic GPi, specifically on the medial medullary lamina in the pallidum at the level of the AC-PC, was significantly associated with improved tics but not mood or OCB outcome. Conclusions: This study adds further support to the application of DBS in a tic-related network, though factors such as patient sample size and clinical heterogeneity remain as limitations and replication is required.

The Use of Deep Brain Stimulation in Tourette Syndrome.

Tourette syndrome (TS) is a childhood neurobehavioural disorder, characterised by the presence of motor and vocal tics, typically starting in childhood but persisting in around 20% of patients into adulthood. In those patients who do not respond to pharmacological or behavioural therapy, deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be a suitable option for potential symptom improvement. This manuscript attempts to summarise the outcomes of DBS at different targets, explore the possible mechanisms of action of DBS in TS, as well as the potential of adaptive DBS. There will also be a focus on the future challenges faced in designing optimized trials.

DBS in Tourette syndrome: where are we standing now?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has emerged as an established effective and safe treatment option for a small subset of patients with severe Tourette syndrome (TS) refractory to psychological and pharmacological treatments. Several targets have been implicated in the study of the effects of DBS on TS symptomatology. The targets applied for DBS in TS include the thalamus, the globus pallidus internus, the internal capsule/nucleus accumbens, the globus pallidus externus and the subthalamic nucleus. In the majority of studies there has been a significant clinical benefit on tics. Nevertheless, the best target has not been defined yet. Up until now, only five double blind randomized controlled trials have been carried out worldwide for a total of 32 patients. Thus, the new recommendations for DBS in TS emphasize the importance of standardized recordings of all pre-, intra-, and postoperative data to optimize the registration of patients so that results can be compared. Recent reports have shown that standard continuous DBS for TS patients may not be the most optimal paradigms to pursue. Adaptive stimulation and the use of human-computer interfaces might in the future optimize the results of DBS in TS because of the paroxysmal nature of the disease.

The International Deep Brain Stimulation Registry and Database for Gilles de la Tourette Syndrome: How Does It Work?

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neuropsychiatric disease characterized by a combination of motor and vocal tics. Deep brain stimulation (DBS), already widely utilized for Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, is an emerging therapy for select and severe cases of TS that are resistant to medication and behavioral therapy. Over the last two decades, DBS has been used experimentally to manage severe TS cases. The results of case reports and small case series have been variable but in general positive. The reported interventions have, however, been variable, and there remain non-standardized selection criteria, various brain targets, differences in hardware, as well as variability in the programming parameters utilized. DBS centers perform only a handful of TS DBS cases each year, making large-scale outcomes difficult to study and to interpret. These limitations, coupled with the variable effect of surgery, and the overall small numbers of TS patients with DBS worldwide, have delayed regulatory agency approval (e.g., FDA and equivalent agencies around the world). The Tourette Association of America, in response to the worldwide need for a more organized and collaborative effort, launched an international TS DBS registry and database. The main goal of the project has been to share data, uncover best practices, improve outcomes, and to provide critical information to regulatory agencies. The international registry and database has improved the communication and collaboration among TS DBS centers worldwide. In this paper we will review some of the key operation details for the international TS DBS database and registry.

Tics

Tourette syndrome (TS) was originally described and conceptualized by Gilles de la Tourette in 1885. Since then, our understanding of tic disorders has grown immensely and continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Tics are abrupt, usually brief and repetitive, nonrhythmic movements (motor tics) and sounds (vocal tics). Motor tics can be further subdivided into simple and complex motor tics. Simple tics are sudden, meaningless movements most commonly involving eye blinking, facial grimacing, mouth gestures, and shoulder shrugs. Complex motor tics typically involve a series of stereotyped movements that may appear to be purposeful. Vocal (also called phonic) tics are similarly subdivided into simple and complex types. This review covers disease definition/subclassification, epidemiology, etiology/genetics, pathophysiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of tic disorders. Figures show a risperidone safety monitoring template for children, an aripiprazole safety monitoring template for children, and adult antipsychotic safety monitoring recommendations. The video shows how to perform the extrapyramidal symptom rating scale. Tables list classification of tic disorders, medication dosing suggestions, and TS deep brain stimulation guidelines. This review contains 3 highly rendered figures, 1 video, 3 tables, and 115 references.

Tics

Tourette syndrome (TS) was originally described and conceptualized by Gilles de la Tourette in 1885. Since then, our understanding of tic disorders has grown immensely and continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Tics are abrupt, usually brief and repetitive, nonrhythmic movements (motor tics) and sounds (vocal tics). Motor tics can be further subdivided into simple and complex motor tics. Simple tics are sudden, meaningless movements most commonly involving eye blinking, facial grimacing, mouth gestures, and shoulder shrugs. Complex motor tics typically involve a series of stereotyped movements that may appear to be purposeful. Vocal (also called phonic) tics are similarly subdivided into simple and complex types. This review covers disease definition/subclassification, epidemiology, etiology/genetics, pathophysiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of tic disorders. Figures show a risperidone safety monitoring template for children, an aripiprazole safety monitoring template for children, and adult antipsychotic safety monitoring recommendations. The video shows how to perform the extrapyramidal symptom rating scale. Tables list classification of tic disorders, medication dosing suggestions, and TS deep brain stimulation guidelines. This review contains 3 highly rendered figures, 1 video, 3 tables, and 115 references.

Tics

Tourette syndrome (TS) was originally described and conceptualized by Gilles de la Tourette in 1885. Since then, our understanding of tic disorders has grown immensely and continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Tics are abrupt, usually brief and repetitive, nonrhythmic movements (motor tics) and sounds (vocal tics). Motor tics can be further subdivided into simple and complex motor tics. Simple tics are sudden, meaningless movements most commonly involving eye blinking, facial grimacing, mouth gestures, and shoulder shrugs. Complex motor tics typically involve a series of stereotyped movements that may appear to be purposeful. Vocal (also called phonic) tics are similarly subdivided into simple and complex types. This review covers disease definition/subclassification, epidemiology, etiology/genetics, pathophysiology and pathogenesis, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and treatment of tic disorders. Figures show a risperidone safety monitoring template for children, an aripiprazole safety monitoring template for children, and adult antipsychotic safety monitoring recommendations. The video shows how to perform the extrapyramidal symptom rating scale. Tables list classification of tic disorders, medication dosing suggestions, and TS deep brain stimulation guidelines. This review contains 3 highly rendered figures, 1 video, 3 tables, and 115 references.

Deep Brain Stimulation in Tourette's Syndrome.

Tourette's syndrome (TS) is defined by 1 year of persistent motor and vocal tics. Often, the tics are refractory to conventional pharmacologic and psychobehavioral interventions. In these patients, deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be an appropriate intervention. This paper reviews different DBS targets in TS, discusses existing evidence on the efficacy of DBS in TS, highlights adverse effects of the procedure, discusses indications and patient selection as well as future directions for DBS in TS. A literature review searching PubMed database entries between 2000 and 2015. Search terms included "DBS in Tourette Syndrome", "Deep brain stimulation in Tourette syndrome," and "Surgical management of Tourette Syndrome." Though there are no universally accepted guidelines defining ideal DBS candidates for TS, age, tic severity, and treatment refractoriness are important factors to consider in patient selection. A variety of targets exist for DBS in TS, but thalamic targets and GPi are the most widely studied. Psychiatric side effects that are target specific should be monitored closely and it is possible that these adverse effects may be resolved with programing. Small randomized controlled trials support the efficacy of DBS in TS. DBS for TS is safe and feasible, but large multi-center clinical trials are needed to determine the ideal target and optimal location within a particular target.

Tourette syndrome deep brain stimulation: a review and updated recommendations.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) may improve disabling tics in severely affected medication and behaviorally resistant Tourette syndrome (TS). Here we review all reported cases of TS DBS and provide updated recommendations for selection, assessment, and management of potential TS DBS cases based on the literature and implantation experience. Candidates should have a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM V) diagnosis of TS with severe motor and vocal tics, which despite exhaustive medical and behavioral treatment trials result in significant impairment. Deep brain stimulation should be offered to patients only by experienced DBS centers after evaluation by a multidisciplinary team. Rigorous preoperative and postoperative outcome measures of tics and associated comorbidities should be used. Tics and comorbid neuropsychiatric conditions should be optimally treated per current expert standards, and tics should be the major cause of disability. Psychogenic tics, embellishment, and malingering should be recognized and addressed. We have removed the previously suggested 25-year-old age limit, with the specification that a multidisciplinary team approach for screening is employed. A local ethics committee or institutional review board should be consulted for consideration of cases involving persons younger than 18 years of age, as well as in cases with urgent indications. Tourette syndrome patients represent a unique and complex population, and studies reveal a higher risk for post-DBS complications. Successes and failures have been reported for multiple brain targets; however, the optimal surgical approach remains unknown. Tourette syndrome DBS, though still evolving, is a promising approach for a subset of medication refractory and severely affected patients.

Deep Brain Stimulation for Tourette syndrome: The Current State of the Field

In 1999, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) was introduced as a new therapeutic approach for patients suffering from refractory Tourette syndrome (TS). This initial target was located in the medial part of the thalamus, based on the good results of thalamotomies described by Hassler and Dieckmann (1970). Up until now, more than 100 cases have been published worldwide of Tourette patients receiving DBS. The targets have been diverse and can be divided into four brain areas: the thalamus (medial parts, and ventral parts), the globus pallidus internus (posteroventrolateral part, and anteromedial part), the globus pallidus externus, and the internal capsule/nucleus accumbens. The subthalamic nucleus has also been suggested as a potential target for DBS in TS, based on the good effect of DBS on tics in a patient suffering from Parkinson׳s disease and TS. In the majority of cases, there was a clear effect on tics. The effect on associated behavioural disorders varies. Although stimulation-induced unwanted effects have been described, severe complications are rare and include two small haematomas at the tip of one electrode.Serious and lasting side effects or complications are rare. Although stimulation-induced and mainly transient unwanted effects have been described, the positive effect seems clearly to predominate.The majority of published studies include only a small number of patients. This underlines the importance of all cases being published, and that ideally the same protocol be followed so that results can be compared. A strict selection of patients and a standardized evaluation of the effects on tics, associated behavioural disorders, complications and exact position of the electrodes are therefore of great importance.The actual published reports suggest that the best effects can be obtained with DBS of the thalamus, and the anteromedial part of the globus pallidus internus.

Functional outcome and quality of life in Tourette's syndrome after deep brain stimulation of the posteroventrolateral globus pallidus internus: long-term follow-up

Objectives. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Tourette's syndrome (TS) in various targets has been in the focus for some years. However, there are hardly any data on “psychosocial” outcome after DBS for TS. The aim of the present study therefore was to focus on the functional outcome and “psychosocial changes” in TS patients after DBS. Methods. Six patients with treatment-refractory TS underwent GPi-DBS. The Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS) was used to evaluate symptomatic outcome. Psychosocial changes were assessed applying the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) and the Gilles-de-la-Tourette-Syndrome Quality-of-Life scale (GTS-QOL) with additionally documenting psychosocial changes. Follow-up ranged between 12 and 72 months. Results. In all symptomatic responders (4 of 6) we found a significant functional improvement (mean GAF increasing from 53.75 (± 7.5) pre-operatively to 83.75 (± 7.5) at last follow-up) along with a positive correlation with the course of GTS-QOL (R2 = 0.62). Conclusions. Treatment success should not only be assessed with the classic “tic-scales”, but also with the GAF and GTS-QOL. Although improvement of tics seems to be positively correlated with improved functional outcome, symptomatic improvement may lead to unexpected major psychosocial changes – which both the patient and the clinicians in charge – should be prepared for.

The use of deep brain stimulation in Tourette's syndrome

Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a childhood neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by multiple involuntary motor and vocal tics. It is commonly associated with other behavioral disorders including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, depression, and self-injurious behaviors. Tourette's syndrome can be effectively managed with psychobehavioral and pharmacological treatments, and many patients experience an improvement in tics in adulthood. However, symptoms may persist and cause severe impairment in a small subset of patients despite available therapies. In recent years, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been shown to be a promising treatment option for such patients. Since the advent of its use in 1999, multiple targets have been identified in DBS for TS, including the medial thalamus, globus pallidus internus, globus pallidus externus, anterior limb of the internal capsule/nucleus accumbens, and subthalamic nucleus. While the medial thalamus is the most commonly reported trajectory, the optimal surgical target for TS is still a topic of much debate. This paper provides a review of the available literature regarding the use of DBS for TS.