Tourette’s Syndrome has many factors that can increase or decrease its intensity and,
while most people focus on preventing triggers–events or actions that may increase ticcing, I
have chosen to focus on one of my mechanisms for decreasing ticcing. While TS is different for
everyone, my experience was this: I was diagnosed with Tourette’s at 6, after ticking for 2 years. Since then, my tics and methods for treating them have changed drastically. Only around 8th grade did I find a method that has been working well and an integral part of that method is the use of one of my hobbies to divert my attention away from my tics. I started playing the oboe in 6th grade, after playing the clarinet in 4th and 5th grade.
Since then, I have done many amazing things with my abilities. I have played solos for my whole school, as well as joined a prestigious youth orchestra. While I play the oboe, my focus is simply on what I am playing and how I can improve. This draws my attention away from my TS, lessening the tics a substantial amount. I believe this is because the brain of a musician is fully occupied, while, say, a mathematician will only use the section of his brain for math, or an artist will only use the section for creativity. A musician uses math, creativity, logic, performance, and physical coordination to play effectively.
I am not nervous about concerts nearly as much as many others because I know that my
tics are calmed while I play. This helps me to perform without the stress of messing up due to a
tic. In turn, I am further encouraged to play my instrument which helps to mitigate the effects of
my TS.
The oboe is not the only instrument I play; rather, it is my primary instrument. I also play
bagpipes, piano, and many other instruments in the past such as alto saxophone, clarinet,
recorder, guitar, ukulele, and vibraphone. Experimenting with a variety of instruments can help
prevent you from getting bored. I have felt similar effects from all of these instruments,
supporting my conclusion that usage of the whole brain helps substantially to treat TS.
While not every person is musically inclined, hobbies such as playing instruments and
possibly many others, can help one to cope with their Tourette’s Syndrome effectively. Many
activities can incite use of the whole brain, and my experience in music has helped me to be
confident in myself, so that my Tourette’s never makes me feel inferior to another. This can also
be applied to many other patients, who may struggle to find something they enjoy that won’t be negatively affected by their Tourette’s. I encourage patients of TS to try many different hobbies until they find a spark that lets them become confident in themselves, and helps them to treat their TS while engaging in something they enjoy.
By Nicholas Strausbaugh, NJCTS Youth Council
