Tourette Syndrome and the role of the GP

In this podcast, Zoe Tobin, Nurse Advisor for Wessex LMCs is kindly joined by Dr Kate Szymankiewicz, a GP in a Wiltshire practice, with a specialist interest in Tourette syndrome and young people’s mental health, to raise awareness around the syndrome and in particular the role of the GP in the patient’s journey and diagnosis, the podcast will cover:

• What is Tourette’s Syndrome - is there a known cause, other co- existing conditions and associated stigma and challenges of living with the syndrome
• How do you diagnose - when do the symptoms first present, can this develop at anytime to anyone, what is the difference between experiencing ‘ticks’ and a diagnosis of Tourette’s Syndrome
• How can we support the individual and family post diagnosis - impact a diagnosis can bring for the individual and their family, strategies to support them.
• What support is available for the individual and their families - where can we signpost for further support.
• Where can I access learning support as a clinician - e-learning modules and further resources.

Supporting resources:

e-learning modules:

• TA website Tourettes Action eLearning Module (tourettes-action.org.uk)
• NHS Learning Hub - Resource (learninghub.nhs.uk)

Tourette’s Action homepage: https://www.tourettes-action.org.uk/

Functional symptoms: https://neurosymptoms.org/en/