Jonathan Mink

JONATHAN MINK

Jonathan W. Mink, MD PhD is a Child Neurologist and Consultant whose clinical and research careers have focused on movement disorders and their underlying brain mechanisms.   He retired in 2023 from the University of Rochester, where he was the Frederick A. Horner Distinguished Professor in Pediatric Neurology; Professor of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics; and Chief of Child Neurology.  He is former Director of the University of Rochester Child Neurology Residency Program and Pediatric Movement Disorders Fellowship.  He is author of over 150 peer-revewed publications and is co-author of “Movement Disorders in Childhood”, now in its 3^rd edition. Dr. Mink was the recipient of the first Dr. Oliver Sacks Award from the Tourette Association of America in recognition for his many contributions to Tourette Syndrome Research, Education, and Advocacy.  Dr. Mink currently serves on the Executive Board of the International Child Neurology Association. He is former President of the Child Neurology Society and was the 2021 recipient of the Hower Award from the Child Neurology Society.

Talk Summary:  Tic disorders, including Tourette Syndrome, are perhaps the most common movement disorders occurring in children. While tics may be transient in the majority of children with tics, 3% of children or more have a chronic tic disorder and approximately 1% have Tourette Syndrome.  The majority of children with chronic tic disorders have at least one co-occurring condition that can including ADHD, OCD, anxiety, a learning disability, or a combination.  Thus, appropriate management of tic disorders must take into account the presence and impact of symptoms other than tics.  First-line evidence-based treatment for tics is non-pharmacologic.  However, many children benefit from pharmacotherapy for tics.  This presentation will review some of the challenges in treating tics, the evidence behind the treatment options, and practical considerations when approaching management of these complex and dynamic symptoms.