Research finds COVID may worsen symptoms of those with Tourette syndrome People with Tourette syndrome have struggled during the pandemic in a number of ways, including difficulty wearing masks because of facial tics and stigma related to coughing tics. (Source: Pixabay) By Endia Fontanez | January 12, 2021 at 11:27 AM MST - Updated January 12 at 11:27 AM
PHOENIX – Stress, isolation and face mask requirements related to COVID-19 may be worsening symptoms for the estimated 1% of the world’s population who suffer from Tourette syndrome, research shows.
The neurological disorder, named for a French doctor who first described the condition in 1885, is characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements or sounds. Common motor tics include repeated blinking, shrugging, twitching and nodding, while vocal tics may include grunting, throat clearing, humming or repeating words or phrases.