Actor Rani Mukerji’s comeback film ‘Hichki’ has her playing a teacher with a unique problem. She makes strange sounds in between her sentences. She suffers from a neurological condition called Tourette’s Syndrome.
In the trailer you hear Rani struggling as she tries to communicate with students. In Rani’s case, the syndrome manifests as vocal tics.
What is Tourette’s Syndrome?
According to WebMD, Tourette’s causes the nervous system to make sudden movements or sounds, called tics, that people can't control. They may repeatedly blink, or clear their throat or say words they don’t mean to say.
Doctors are not quite clear on what causes the tics, but the syndrome has been linked to various areas of the brain, including the basal ganglia, which helps control body movements. Something here misfires causing the tics to occur. Genes are believed to be linked to the syndrome and people with those who have Tourette’s in the family are more likely to get it.
Tourette’s first manifests in childhood and is linked to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
A lot of people have simple tics - small movements or uttering a single sound that doesn’t bother too much. Complex tics involve making a series of physical movements or speaking long phrases. These are hard to control.
Tourette’s is not life threatening, but can cause embarrassment and social awkwardness for those who suffer from it.
Unfortunately there is no cure for Tourette’s, but therapies do help in relieving the symptoms. Doctors may also prescribe medication to help ease the tics.
Most centres dealing with neurological conditions will be able to help prescribe therapies. Understanding and empathy is key in dealing with those who suffer from the condition. Rani’s role in ‘Hichki’ should help create more awareness and a lot more understanding.
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