For our latest "Gilles is in the air" episode, we remain...across the pond and get the chance to hear more about premonitory urge, the sensory phenomenon described and characterised in numerous studies and publications for more than 30 years.

Our guests today have conducted a scoping review of premonitory urge in primary tic disorders to identify and address limitations and knowledge gaps. 

"Knowledge of the clinical characteristics, measurement, and neural mechanisms of premonitory urge has advanced considerably in recent years, but important knowledge gaps remain in each of these domains. Addressing these knowledge gaps will be key to developing effective interventions for premonitory urge." 

Jack Wohlgemuth works as a clinical research coordinator at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, where he is focused on research related to Tourette syndrome and other neurological movement disorders. He is interested in how the brains of individuals with tic disorders differ in their processing of signals from within the body, and how these differences are related to the uncomfortable sensory phenomena that are often experienced prior to tics (“premonitory urges”). Jack received his BA from Vanderbilt University. 

Bio page: https://labs.icahn.mssm.edu/waterslab/team/

Email: [email protected] 

David Isaacs, MD, MPH is a movement disorders neurologist and co-director of the Vanderbilt Center for Tourette Syndrome and Other Tic Disorders, a Tourette Association of America Center of Excellence.

He provides clinical care to children, adolescents, and adults with tic disorders. His research examines the clinical impact and neurophysiologic correlates of non-motor features of tic disorders. 

Bio page: https://www.vumc.org/neurology/person/david-isaacs-md

Email: [email protected]

Some of the key points we discuss:

Thank you Jack and David for sharing your findings and expertise with us!