John Davidson’s use of derogatory language during the BAFTA Awards was a symptom of the highly misunderstood neurological disorder

Tics can be physically taxing, leading to acute and chronic pain and injury. People with Tourette syndrome also frequently face stigma, discrimination and the pressure to monitor or hide their tics, which can take a serious psychological toll. People with Tourette syndrome are at increased risk of self-harm and suicide.

Tourette syndrome is a neurological or neurodevelopmental condition named after 19th-century researcher Gilles de la Tourette

Tourette’s syndrome, a neurological condition that causes involuntary sounds or movements known as tics, has come under the spotlight after a man with the condition shouted a racial slur during the BAFTA award ceremony in London on Sunday.

In a Monday statement, John Davidson explained that slur he yelled during the event was involuntary and not a "reflection of my personal beliefs."

The John Davidson moment cast a light on what advocates say is a condition too little understood - and on the people who don't understand.