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Question 103: Hi Dr. Mckinlay. My name is B. and my class watched your movie Lifes A Twitch and I really enjoyed it. I have a question for you. Do you know how people get Tourettes or is it just something that happens? B., NS, Canada.

Hi B!

I'm awfully glad you liked the documentary -- thanks for writing! About your question -- Tourettes is something that you are born with. Have you ever heard of genes before (I'm not sure how old you are)? In case you haven't, genes are like the building blocks of who you are -- a 'map' of you! Your genes decide what colour your hair and eyes will be, how tall you are, whether you have freckles or need glasses........... AND they tell you if you are going to have Tourettes or not. So you can't "catch" Tourettes the way you can catch a cold! Most people with Tourettes first start showing tics around age 5 or 6.

I hope this helps Brendan -- I think it's very cool that you are interested in learning about this. That was a good question!

Dr. Dunc.

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