Chemar

Hi and welcome! Sorry to have to post and run, but I just wanted to let you know you are not alone and that there is support and information here. May I ask if your son had any kind of illness or infection prior to the tics starting ? There are a number of things that can trigger tics, so I do suggest you perhaps start reading the Helpful Threads section pinned to the top of this forum The main section of the website has info like http://latitudes.org/conditions/what-is-tourette-syndrome/ More here http://latitudes.org/

Ok, it was just a thought as I know how the CBT helped my son with many tourettic OCD tics. Also, being aware or unaware of the tics is not what makes defines them as voluntary or involuntary. For example people with TS are most often aware of their tics. They just cannot control them for long due to that "tension" to release. And often trying to suppress a tic brings an almost explosive release. The CBT assists with how to release tic "tension" in ways that are not socially embarrassing as some tics are, and also redirect in a safer way with those tics that could cause injury. I believe what is called "habit reversal" therapy operates somewhat similarly (I don't personally like that term as imho tics aren't habits per se)

Hi My son had an almost immediate relief from taking supplemental magnesium, including Epsom Salts baths The reason people take the Natural Calm and Epsom baths at night is that is tends to promote sleep. The suggested magnesium dose is 300-400mg daily.

Hi This link has info near the bottom on GABA doses for children http://www.livestrong.com/article/517318-childrens-dosage-of-gaba-supplements-for-adhd/ I have heard that children do best on a more natural form like PharmaGABA http://doctormurray.com/sponsors/pharmagaba/

Hi Have you ever been diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder? What you are describing reminds me of what our physician called Tourettic OCD where, to put it very simply, tics morph into OCD actions and/or OCD actions morph into tics. Many find Cognitive Behavioral Therapy very helpful for this.

Hi and welcome This is the Natural Calm most use The ionic delivery of magnesium citrate is fast and we found effective Magnesium glycinate is also supposed to be a good option as a supplement as it is well absorbed and does not cause the laxative effect that the mag citrate does.

Hello and welcome to the forum. What you describe may be a tic disorder, but there are other issues that can also cause tics, so you may need to see a professional for eveluation and diagnosis if that is needed. Tourette Syndrome is characterized by both motor tics as well as vocal tics, and you appear only to have movements, not sounds?

Hi, You could check with your local chapter of the Tourette Syndrome Association. My concern with them is that they tend to be rather closed minded to alternative/complementary treatments...but hopefully a local support group would focus on support and interaction.... http://tourette.org/AboutUs/usa_chp_sup_cofe.html

Hi and welcome to the forum I hope you will find the support and information you need here

Hi Good that you are going to see a doctor who understands more about the numerous triggers for tics, including allergies and the environment etc etc! I can't address the sniffing tic as we didn't have that one among the many many many we did have! But my son did respond well to short term L-Carnitine for vocal tics

I do want to clarify my response as I posted quickly while at work...I am not suggesting a "do nothing" approach per se Only that sometimes tics are mild and the triggers are obvious..... why stress yourself and especially your child when that is the case? The tics will usually wane.

Best just let it pass imho. We became very attuned to the teeth/tics trigger. Up Epsom Baths and other good stuff and hope it wanes soon.

Hi Lots of info here in past threads on how dental issues (as well as allergies) can be primary tic triggers! I am at work so can't post much now, but a search will bring up threads, including some on transmandibular joint (TMJ) and tics etc etc

Hello and welcome I am bumping up your first post so others here will see it and respond

Hi If you do a forum search for allergies and tics, you will likely come up with a lot of info! Yes, allergies can be a root issue in tics, and/or exacerbate tics rooted in another cause. Have you used Sheila's book as a resource yet? Lots of helpful info there. http://latitudes.org/store/natural-treatments-for-tics-and-tourette-syndrome-book/

Hi and welcome. We do have members from the UK so am hoping one of them may see your post and be able to provide the info you need.

We had an excellent developmental pediatrician who evaluated my son. He was so very discreet in discussing the tics and was playing a "catch" game with my son while evaluating. He was great! The neurologist....not so much as he said things in front of my son that he should not have and intensified his tics etc. So it really does depend on the doctor. My son was 10 Having someone close who can spend time with a younger child while you discuss details is a good idea. But the doctor does have to be able to observe and evaluate the tics, so it is a fine balance.

Hi If he has been exposed to strep via his mom and then the tics increased I would certainly consider testing him as well? We used 400mg magnesium daily as a separate supplement in addition to the multi and food sources.(my son was 10yo at the time) The type to avoid is magnesium oxide as it is very poorly absorbed.

Hi and welcome The type and dose of magnesium is important for optimum absorption and use. I second the value of Epsom baths, even a foot bath is good!

Hi I am just bumping your introductory posts up so others can see and respond.

Hi I just got back from work so wanted to also add that with supplements, good and pure are essential but that does not necessarily equate to expensive I know many Integrative/Alternative etc physicians do often also sell the supps and many are excellent, but often there are other brands also pure and effective that do the same, or even better job! Here's a site that compares and does testing, though their lists are not yet comprehensive but growing https://labdoor.com/ I know some people with allergies avoid B12 due to histamine, but my son has always found it essential, and he takes it with only the P-5-P form of B6 But it *must* be the methylcobalamin form, not the poorly absorbed cyano form. He has never been able to tolerate B Complex, and so takes the Bs needed for him individually and gets the rest in a good Multi I do hope you get answers. Whether or not PANDAS is there, there are still other triggers for tics so it is great you are sleuthing to uncover potential triggers

Hi How good to hear that Sheila's book and the website/forums have been of help to you. It's good that you are working to eliminate allergens etc, but I do wonder about the dismissal of PANDAS? As far as I know, a family history of tics (even TS) and the existence of allergies does not exclude the possibility of PANS/PANDAS? I would want a second opinion on that! Especially with the fact that the ASO was high? Maybe also post on our PANDAS forum to get input from the parents there. They are very up on all the latest info, testing etc

We used l-carnitine although I know some have used the acetyl form. There were mixed results reported with the latter if I recall correctly

Hi and thanks for sharing your experience. We found tremendous help from l-carnitine when my son had his most intense tics. He was taking it with some other supps too, but its addition brought notable benefit, especially from vocal tics! So glad you have found relief from it for your son as well.

Hi I just wanted to welcome you to the forum. You could try searching here for a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist http://www.nacbt.org/searchfortherapists.ASP