Tics, twitches, tales: The experiences of Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome

Abstract

Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome (GTS) is well described and although many clinicians are aware of the condition, misunderstandings about the disorder still persist. There have been few accounts of the experiences of people with GTS, and none from affected medical practitioners. The first personal account in the medical literature was over 25 years ago. This is the first personal account of having GTS written by a practicing physician. The sensation of having a tic is a peculiar one and is difficult to describe to those who have not experienced them for themselves. Tics are distinctly voluntary, though not wanted. The desire to tic stems from the relief of a physical sensation (that is distinct from a conventional somatic sensation) that builds up prior to the tic and is relieved by it. However, akin to scratching a mosquito bite, tics lead to more tics. The sensation leading to the tic is paradoxically relieved yet restimulated by the tic itself. The effect of GTS on a personal life story is recounted, and the condition briefly reviewed.