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.