Lewis Capaldi has decided to take a break from touring his music to adapt to his Tourette's diagnosis after struggling to perform at Glastonbury festival.
The Scottish singer posted a message on Twitter and Instagram informing followers that he was taking a break for the "foreseeable future" to spend "much more time" on his mental and physical health. In September last year, the 26-year-old discussed having Tourette's with Lorraine Kelly.
He explained he was diagnosed seven months earlier, and that the condition had left him feeling like he was "dying". He said: "It made a lot of sense, I raise my eyebrows quite a lot. I do this shoulder thing, I take these deep breaths every now and then.
READ MORE: Lewis Capaldi makes 'most difficult decision of his life' as he shares career update
"I thought I was dying, I'm a bit of a hypochondriac. I thought I had some kind of degenerative disease."
What is Tourette's syndrome?
Tourette's syndrome (TS) is a neurological condition that causes you to make involuntary movements and sounds called tics.
Motor tics might include eye blinking, neck and head jerks, and arm and leg movements, while vocal tics might include throat clearing, repeating words or phrases, stuttering and grunting.
What causes Tourette's?
There isn't much scientific evidence on what really causes the disorder. However, it is thought to be related with brain abnormalities - specifically an imbalance in the function of neurotransmitters, dopamine and serotonin.
Some structures in the parts of the brain appear to be different in people with TS.
Disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be co-occurring conditions and are deeply connected with TS.
How do you get a diagnosis?
There isn't a single test to detect TS. However, if you have had several of the common TS tics for around one year, your GP may refer you to a specialised doctor, such as a neurologist, to make a firm diagnosis.
A tic might appear suddenly and last only for a few weeks or months, in which case you wouldn't be considered as having the disorder.
Can people with the condition control their tics?
Tics are involuntary and hard to control. They are preceded by a premonitory urge, compared to the need to itch or sneeze, that can be distressing.
People with TS feel the need to perform a tic multiple times in order to reduce this urge.
Is there a cure for the condition?
There is no cure for TS. Most people who have the syndrome do not need any treatment, and can learn how to control tics with the help of a specialist.
The most common treatment involves behavioural therapy to reduce tics and manage emotional stability. Medicine can be used in instances where the tics are more severe or visibly harmful.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
