Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month

Tourette Syndrome is a nervous system disorder that causes people to have “tics.” Tics are uncontrollable twitches, gestures, or sounds that people repeat again and over. Tic sufferers are unable to control their bodies’ actions.

It is unknown what causes Tourette Syndrome. It’s a complicated disorder that’s likely caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin, are chemicals in the brain that convey nerve impulses, commonly known as tics. Tics are sudden twitches, movements, or sounds that people do repeatedly. Tic sufferers are unable to control their bodies’ actions. A person might, for example, keep blinking over and over. Alternatively, a person may grunt unintentionally. Having tics is similar to having the hiccups. Even if you don’t want to hiccup, your body does so regardless. People can sometimes stop themselves from doing a given tic for a short time, but it’s difficult. The person must eventually perform the tic.

Tourettes Awareness Month runs from May 15th to June 15th, with the goal of de-stigmatizing the illness and demonstrating that persons with Tourettes may still live a normal life. Tourettes action are a foundation built to do this and this year their campaign is named #ThisIsTourettes #ItsNotWhatYouThink, and they aim to spread the word with your support.

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