Debilitating symptoms of Tourette Syndrome may also fuel creative energy
April28, 2009
by Sam Lister
Like several conditions that affect the brain, such as autism, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, the tendencies associated with Tourette syndrome may have enhanced the talents of some notable sufferers.
The obsessive compulsive behaviour associated with the condition are suggested in observations of Samuel Johnson by his biographer James Boswell, and supported by modern medical opinion. Psychiatrists, neurologists and students of the lexicographer have linked his prolific writing, extraordinary bursts of mental energy and creativity to the condition.
Johnson, who wrote the peerlessly meticulous A Dictionary of the English Language in 1747, was found by Boswell to shake his head in a tremulous manner while talking, often rubbing his knee and making unexpected outbursts. ?In the intervals of articulating he made various sounds with his mouth; sometimes giving a half whistle, sometimes making his tongue play backwards from the roof of his mouth, as if clucking like a hen, and sometimes protruding it against his upper gums in front,? Boswell observed.
Johnson?s gesticulations have compelling links to the neurological disorder, which often begins as a facial tic such as mouth twitching or rapid eye blinking. Other common early symptoms include involuntary limb tics or involuntary throat clearing or sniffing.
More complex tics include jumping, twirling about, uttering words out of context or uncontrollable use of obscene language ? known as coprolalia ? which can be particularly debilitating for the sufferer.
Recent speculation has focused on Mozart as a possible Tourette sufferer, based mainly on scatalogical references in letters and music. However, some experts suggest it may have been more the exuberance of youth than a clinical condition.
Current Tourette sufferers include Tim Howard, the goalkeeper for Everton, who has campaigned to raise awareness of the condition. Musicians who may have benefited in the same way as Van Bloss include the classical composer Tobias Picker, who has talked of ?tourettic? elements to his music.
April28, 2009
by Sam Lister
Like several conditions that affect the brain, such as autism, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, the tendencies associated with Tourette syndrome may have enhanced the talents of some notable sufferers.
The obsessive compulsive behaviour associated with the condition are suggested in observations of Samuel Johnson by his biographer James Boswell, and supported by modern medical opinion. Psychiatrists, neurologists and students of the lexicographer have linked his prolific writing, extraordinary bursts of mental energy and creativity to the condition.
Johnson, who wrote the peerlessly meticulous A Dictionary of the English Language in 1747, was found by Boswell to shake his head in a tremulous manner while talking, often rubbing his knee and making unexpected outbursts. ?In the intervals of articulating he made various sounds with his mouth; sometimes giving a half whistle, sometimes making his tongue play backwards from the roof of his mouth, as if clucking like a hen, and sometimes protruding it against his upper gums in front,? Boswell observed.
Johnson?s gesticulations have compelling links to the neurological disorder, which often begins as a facial tic such as mouth twitching or rapid eye blinking. Other common early symptoms include involuntary limb tics or involuntary throat clearing or sniffing.
More complex tics include jumping, twirling about, uttering words out of context or uncontrollable use of obscene language ? known as coprolalia ? which can be particularly debilitating for the sufferer.
Recent speculation has focused on Mozart as a possible Tourette sufferer, based mainly on scatalogical references in letters and music. However, some experts suggest it may have been more the exuberance of youth than a clinical condition.
Current Tourette sufferers include Tim Howard, the goalkeeper for Everton, who has campaigned to raise awareness of the condition. Musicians who may have benefited in the same way as Van Bloss include the classical composer Tobias Picker, who has talked of ?tourettic? elements to his music.
