Neuronal activity in the globus pallidus internus in patients with tics. Issue 10 (11th March 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhuang, P; Hallett, M; Zhang, X; Li, J; Zhang, Y; Li, Y
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 80:Issue 10(2009)
• Page Start: 1075
• Page End: 1081
• Publication Date: 2009-03-11
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.2008.161869
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To explore the role of neuronal activity in the globus pallidus internus (GPi) in the generation of tic movements. Methods: 8 patients with Tourette's syndrome with medically intractable tics who underwent a unilateral pallidotomy for severe tics were studied. They ranged in age from 17 to 24 years; disease duration was 7–19 years. Microelectrode recording was performed in the GPi. The electromyogram (EMG) was simultaneously recorded in muscle groups appropriate for the patient's tics. The relationship between neuronal firing pattern and the EMG was studied. Results: 232 neurons were recorded during tics from eight trajectories. Of these neurons, in addition to decreased neuronal firing rate and irregular firing pattern, 105 (45%) were tic related showing either a burst of activity or a pause in ongoing tonic activity. They could be synchronous (n = 75), earlier than EMG onset (n = 27) or following EMG onset (n = 3). The GPi neuronal bursts preceded EMG onset with decreased (n = 6) or increased activity (n = 21). The initial change in neural activity occurred about 50 ms to 2 s before the EMG onset. Conclusions: Although the data are descriptive and preliminary, the tic related neuronal activity observed in GPi appears to indicate that the basal ganglia motor circuit is involved in tic movements. The early neuronal activity seen in GPi may reflect premonitory sensations that precede a tic.