There’s a saying that genetics loads the gun, but the environment pulls the trigger. Whether or not you have a family history of Tourette syndrome or related tic disorders, there are several approaches you can take to prevent and treat symptoms.
Doctors often tell people with Tourettes that there is nothing they can do to besides reducing stress: “The tics wax and wane—they come and go on their own.” Some even refer to the process as a “mystery.” Families are apparently expected to just sit back and watch the ups and downs take place. This attitude makes about as much sense as telling people with allergies that their symptoms will “wax and wane,” without explaining which allergens may affect a person’s symptoms.
Of course, doctors would tell their patients why vocal and muscle tics wax and wane—if they knew. But there has been an appalling lack of interest in the role of the environment by leaders in the field. In fact, for the last 18 years, our organization is the only group that has been vigorously exploring a range of factors that can aggravate tics, such as toxic exposures; food sensitivities and food allergy; heavy metals; nutrient imbalances; infection, allergens, and immune system issues.
Our book Natural Treatments for Tics and Tourettes: A Patient and Family Guide gives a comprehensive explanation of non-toxic prevention and treatment options with a review of behavioral approaches, acupuncture and biofeedback; hypnosis may also be helpful.
Families can learn more with our article Finding Triggers for Tics: A Must Read. An integrative physician can assist in determining underlying biological causes of symptoms. While the standard treatment for tics focuses on strong medications that many seek to avoid, ACN Latitudes offers valuable options to patients and families.
Related articles are shown below. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can search using the box at the upper right of the page or browse our forums.
I returned wide-eyed from Atlanta last week, where I was the keynote speaker at a conference on Tourette syndrome. The conference was well organized with diverse topics, a tribute to Brad Cohen and his foundation. […]
I love it when families and patients with tic disorders discover what is triggering tics in their cases. And I love it even more when they take the time to share their findings with us, […]
This article is being revisited. Please note that when we switched to a new website format we were unable to leave the helpful comments from readers in their original form, so they have been incorporated […]
Many readers are aware that artificial colors and flavors have the potential to trigger hyperactivity and tic symptoms, and additives have also been linked to a number of other health risks. The Feingold Association has […]
Sheila Rogers DeMare, MS, Director of the Association for Comprehensive NeuroTherapy / Latitudes.org, is giving the keynote address at the upcoming Tourette syndrome conference in Atlanta, June 4, 2016. Author of the best-seller Natural Treatments […]
BY PARKER’S MOTHER Editor: This parent is sharing her ongoing experience as the family seeks answers to her son’s Tourette syndrome. She is encouraged by their findings so far and Parker’s response to date. As […]
Press release October 1, 2015: A chemical in the brain could potentially be harnessed to help young people with Tourette Syndrome (TS) to overcome the physical and vocal tics associated with the neurological disorder, say […]
ANDY’S MOM Editor: We are reprinting one of our popular posts about a teenager who had a frightening experience while taking conventional medications for his Tourette’s, OCD, and ADHD—and how the parents intervened successfully with […]