Episode 37: TikTok and Tourette

Doctor Vs Comedian

Today, the guys switch things around by discussing the medical topic first -- Tics and Tourette Syndrome (1:02). Asif discusses what the symptoms of Tourette Syndrome are, how you diagnose it and what causes it. He also talks about other commonly associated conditions and why you often do NOT need to treat tics. Then Ali and Asif discuss Tourette Syndrome on tv shows, movies and especially social media (20:50). Asif discusses how he was asked to be on the TV show “Employable Me” as a medical expert on Tourette Syndrome and his reasons for declining the offer. Asif discusses the finding of an increase in psychogenic tics over the Covid-19 pandemic and it’s possible relation to TikTok influencers. And as a bonus, at the end of the episode, Ali announces his casting in the new CBC sitcom “Run the Burbs”.

The opinions expressed are those of the hosts, and do not reflect those of any other organizations. This podcast and website represents the opinions of the hosts. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for entertainment and informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

Music courtesy of Wataboi and 8er41 from Pixabay

Contact us at [e-mail]

Follow us on Social media:

Twitter: @doctorvcomedian

Instagram: doctorvcomedian

Show Notes:

• Employable Me: https://www.tvo.org/programs/employable-me
• Asif’s Youtube Video On Tics and Tourette: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rL4HrZDLJN0
• TikTok Teens and K-Pop Stans Say They Sank Trump Rally: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/21/style/tiktok-trump-rally-tulsa.html
• The Superstars of Tourette’s TikTok: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/07/disability-influencers-tourette-tiktok/619468/
• COVID-19 related increase in childhood tics and tic-like attacks: https://adc.bmj.com/content/106/5/420
• Gen Z Is Developing Unexplained Tics After Going Online, And Doctors Are Concerned: https://www.vice.com/en/article/xgx3en/gen-z-is-developing-unexplained-tics-after-going-online-and-doctors-are-concerned
• Rapid Onset Functional Tic‐Like Behaviors in Young Females During the COVID‐19 Pandemic:
• Tics and TikTok: Functional Tics Spread Through Social Media: https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mdc3.13267
• TikTok Tics: A Pandemic Within a Pandemic: https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/mdc3.13316
• What Happened to the Girls in Le Roy: https://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/11/magazine/teenage-girls-twitching-le-roy.html