Demystifying Georges Gilles de la Tourette: The Early History of Tourette Syndrome Part 1

In this episode, we embark on the first of a two-part series, diving into the history of Tourette Syndrome (TS) with Dr. Howard Kushner, a renowned expert in the history of neurology and medicine. We explore the evolution of TS from its earliest documentation, predating the 19th century, through the significant contributions of Georges Gilles de la Tourette, and its progression across medical and psychological models throughout the 20th century.
 
Dr. Kushner guides us through the shifting perspectives on TS, from the bleak early views encapsulated by the phrase "once a ticker, always a ticker," through the era of psychoanalytic blame, to our current understanding of TS as a multifaceted neurodevelopmental condition. Drawing from his vast research and his 1999 seminal work, "A Cursing Brain? The Histories of Tourette Syndrome," we examine the complex journey of TS diagnosis, the stigma attached to symptoms such as coprolalia, and the importance of a supportive community and multidisciplinary care for those affected.

Timeline Highlights:
[02:00] How Dr. Kushner first became interested in researching Tourette's Syndrome.
[5:10] Dr. Kushner's continued involvement in the TS community.
[7:14] How the book on Tourette's Syndrome has held up over time.
[13:41] Early psychoanalytic theories blaming patients and parents.
[17:08] The early history of Tourette Syndrome in the 1800s.
[20:03] The disturbing early anti-Semitism in TS research.
[22:20] The focus on coprolalia in the early characterization of TS.
[23:57] The notion that childhood sexual conflicts caused TS.
[24:35] Tic reduction when engrossed in an activity - an early observation.
[26:46] The Tourette Syndrome Association reframing TS as biological.
[28:16] The importance of youth support groups for TS.
[30:36] The heroic contributions of Shapiro in advocating for TS.
[32:10] Early evidence that medications could treat TS.
[33:09] Predictions for the next 50 years in TS research and treatment.
[35:18] Emerging interventions like DBS brain stimulation for TS.
[37:13] Advice for living well with TS.

Links & Resources:

Stay tuned for part 2 of this interview on March 12 as we go further into the history of TS! If you found this look at the history of Tourette's helpful, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review! It helps spread the word.