How do you get Tourettes syndrome? What are the causes of Tourette syndrome? What are the genetics?
Tourette’s is thought to involve faulty regulation in the brain circuits between the frontal cortex and the basal ganglia. Studies have established beyond a doubt that Tourette’s syndrome is genetic, but the exact mode of inheritance is debated. Tourette’s syndrome was long thought to be transmitted via an autosomal dominant gene, and that is what you will most often find mentioned in the literature. But, don’t believe everything you read. More recent studies suggest that the mode of transmission may be more complex. More than one gene may be involved, and it’s possible that different genetic effects are involved in different families. Another confusing aspect is that you don’t “inherit” Tourette’s syndrome. You inherit a genetic predisposition or vulnerability to the condition. It is a condition of variable penetrance, which means that not everyone who inherits the gene will express severe symptoms, or even any symptoms at all.
