Tourette Syndrome and My Brothers
PATEL, Nehali
DOI: http://doi.org/10.34614/2022IYRC49
Category: Health Narrative
Abstract – My brothers, Milan and Hiren, have both been diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome and a tic disorder. Milan was diagnosed at a younger age with more severe symptoms than Hiren, but each has benefited differently from the use of Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) and medication therapy to manage their conditions. Tourette Syndrome is classified by tics, or uncontrolled muscle contractions that can be motor or vocal. There is no known cause of Tourette Syndrome, but genetics and environment both play a role in how and when it manifests. Although many different medications and therapies can be combined to mitigate tics, there is no one treatment or cure for Tourette’s. Due to the genetic predispositions of people with Tourette’s, they are more likely than most to have comorbid neurobehavioral conditions like ADHD or dyslexia. My brother, Milan, is dyslexic in addition to having Tourette Syndrome, which has caused many difficulties for him in a formal school setting. However, with the right training and tools, he has been able to succeed. Milan, though, is an outlier in comparison to many people with Tourette’s who struggle to find doctors and therapists educated in the treatments they need. This paper explores my family’s ongoing journey to support my brothers, educate ourselves, and advocate for others.