At the BAFTA awards that happened earlier this week, a moment drew widespread attention after Tourette's syndrome advocate John Davidson was heard shouting expletives during the ceremony. Since then, Davidson has publicly about the incident, using it as an opportunity to raise awareness about Tourette syndrome (TS), a neurological condition characterized by involuntary tics and vocalisations and often the compulsive utterance of obscenities.
News reports say a microphone placed near Davidson amplified his vocal tic during the live event. Reflecting on the situation, he acknowledged that the mic placement may not have been ideal and later apologized.
Even though the incident sparked online debate, experts say it highlights a broader issue - the lack of public understanding around Tourette syndrome.
Tourette syndrome affects your brain and nerves and causes you to make sudden movements or sounds known as involuntary tics, so you cannot control or prevent them. Motor tics involve body movements, like eye blinking or shoulder shrugging. Vocal tics involve your voice, like sniffing or throat clearing. Motor tics tend to develop before vocal tics.
Tourette syndrome, or Tourette’s, usually starts in early childhood. Most of the time, tics become milder and occur less frequently in late adolescence and adulthood. Tourette syndrome is the most severe type of tic disorder.
Tourette's affects one out of every 160 children across the world. In India, an estimated 0.3 to 1 per cent of the population has it – but doctors say the condition is commonly misdiagnosed or stigmatized, though treatment options are available in top hospitals.
Tourette syndrome affects your brain and nerves and causes you to make sudden movements or sounds
Experts believe that high-profile events like award ceremonies can intensify tics since they have very bright lights, loud sounds, and emotional stimulation. However, being in a quiet and formal environment may also increase internal pressure to suppress tics, which sometimes makes them rebound strongly.
Experts explain that tics are not intentional behaviours but neurological impulses that individuals may feel compelled to release, similar to a sneeze. Attempting to suppress them for extended periods can be uncomfortable and exhausting.
It is not scientifically known what the exact cause of Tourette syndrome is, but experts believe it tends to run in families, bringing in the role of genetics. Issues with how your brain breaks down neurotransmitters may also contribute to TS. A few risk factors include:
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