“Thunderstorm in the Head” Creator Jan Zimmermann Dies at 26
jan Zimmermann, the German YouTuber known for openly documenting his life with Tourette’s syndrome through his channel “Gewitter im Kopf” (“Thunderstorm in the Head”), has died at the age of 26. His family confirmed his death to German media outlets, though the cause remains unknown. Zimmermann gained national recognition in 2019 with a feature on the ProSieben magazine “Galileo,” and used his platform to educate and destigmatize Tourette’s, a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and vocalizations, or “tics.”
Zimmermann’s willingness to share his daily experiences with “Gisela,” the name he affectionately gave to his Tourette’s, resonated with a wide audience and helped normalize the condition. He co-created content with his friend Tim Lehmann, illustrating the challenges and humor inherent in living with the disorder. While Zimmermann underwent the implantation of a brain pacemaker in late 2022 in an attempt to suppress his tics, as he publicly shared on Instagram, the illness remained a important part of his life, according to German publication bild.
The YouTuber initially expressed concerns about public perception when launching his channel, telling WELT he worried peopel “might not take it so seriously and think we were just playing it or something.” Despite these initial reservations,”Gewitter im Kopf” became a vital resource for understanding Tourette’s,offering a candid and relatable portrayal of the condition. Authorities have not yet released facts regarding the circumstances surrounding Zimmermann’s death, and it is currently unknown whether it is connected to his ongoing health struggles.