What makes me twitch? : An investigation into the possible causes of Tourette syndrome and its symptoms Gilles de la Tourette syndrome, commonly known as "Tourette syndrome," "Tourette syndrome" or simply "TS," is a chronic neuropsychiatric disorder producing movements and Sudden, repetitive sounds, called “tics,” that are beyond the individual’s control. This disease is named after the French physician Georges Gilles de la Tourette, who first published an account of its symptoms in the 1880s (Felling & Singer, 2011, p. 12387). Once considered a rare disease, Tourette syndrome is currently estimated to occur in mild to severe forms in up to 2% of the population (Bohlhalter et al., 2006, p. 2029). Today, Tourette syndrome affects the lives of millions of people around the world – including me! What are the causes of this complex disorder and its notorious symptoms? Diagnosis and Symptoms Tourette syndrome is commonly diagnosed in children following the onset of tics between the ages of 6 and 9 (Galvez-Jimenez, 2012, p. S35). In many circumstances, Tourette syndrome is accompanied by one or more additional disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I was diagnosed with both Tourette syndrome and OCD at the age of eight following an outburst of tics, muscle twitches, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors. To be formally diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, a patient must be under the age of 18 and present with multiple motor tics and at least one phonic or “verbal” tic for at least a year (Galvez-Jenez, 2012, p. S35). Tics are sudden, repeated, involuntary body movements or vocal projections, classified as “phonic” or “motor.” Motor tics are sudden, impulsive, aimless bodily tics ... middle of paper ... severe ear infections, which ultimately required surgery. Given my genetic makeup and early life experiences, it appears that my Tourette syndrome diagnosis was triggered by both hereditary and environmental factors. Conclusion As long as the roots of Tourette syndrome remain a mystery, the question of what triggers my own diagnosis and symptoms cannot be fully answered. This disorder is far more complex than I could ever have imagined, and the vast amount of research studying its origins is just as convoluted. Although researchers have discovered anatomical, physiological, genetic, and non-genetic factors, there is still much to understand. One absolute certainty is that Tourette syndrome cannot be attributed to a single element. Although the lack of definitive answers is discouraging, I am glad to have gained a greater understanding and appreciation of my disorder..