Chemar

Just an FYI reminder that, in addition to the main Latitudes/ACN website that is full of valuable info, Stop Tics Today is an excellent resource administered by Sheila Rogers, with a stellar advisory board.

I know there are a number of reports on benefits of eliminating dairy on eye tics? Not saying it works for everyone, but if they are bothersome, worth a try. Also, do a search here on IRLEN for additional possible helpful info

Bonnie's research and protocol are still in online archives, but she is no longer actively involved as far as I know. There is no longer a print Latitudes magazine - but the old copies would still be with subscribers etc. Some of the older articles may still be archived on the main webpage here at Latitudes/ACN

Hi MLee I have documented how starting magnesium was the first real beneficial natural treatment for my son in reducing tics. This was a mag supplement (best for him was mag taurate) as well as regular Epsom Salts (magnesium sulfate) baths. I learned about the importance of magnesium for people with TS by reading Bonnie Grimaldi's protocol & research in the original Latitudes print magazine. This was over 20 years ago. The B6(P-5-P) was added on advice from his physician to aid optimal function with the other supplements he was on. Yes, he has maintained those.

Yes, magnesium and B6 were also essential supplements for my son - we found the P-5-P form of B6 worked best.

Puberty is a tough time for people with TS - but thankfully for many, tics do begin to diminish once those hormonal years pass! Because dopamine is an essential neurotransmitter, one really does need to be careful in addressing reducing it. When my son was taking 5HTP to hep with Tourettic OCD, our physician explained that not only did it help increase serotonin - which helps control OCD - but it also reduces dopamine, and so can calm tics. But it is important to have physician guidance when using 5HTP This article discusses some natural supplements etc that may help reduce dopamine, but again, do your own research or speak to a qualified professional for specific guidance. https://bebrainfit.com/too-much-dopamine/

@MLee I read a recent study regarding mealtime & tics https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.936796/full I also wonder if perhaps the release of dopamine while eating might contribute to the increased tics, as dopamine rise is associated with both tics increasing, and also the pleasure aspect of food?

Hi @Conanjaguar My son found Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) really helpful. His CBT therapist was very experienced with TS & tics, and taught him coping skills for those social circumstances where tics were being bothersome. My son also found acupuncture of benefit for tics in general, and his Integrative physician also recommended l-carnitine short term for very intrusive vocal tics, which actually did help. I should also mention that my son has always been upfront in explaining that he has tics. Most people, even the kids back then at school. were pretty ok once they understood. I know people are all different in terms of what seems to work for them. Hope you find relief.

So many people ask this question, and our admin Sheila Rogers has a really good article on the main section that covers a lot about TS & Tics. What is Tourette Syndrome? – A Comprehensive Overview If you have more questions, or comments, here is a thread for open discussion on this topic.

Bumping up this old thread as it just might have helpful info for anyone looking for tips on what may help to reduce tics, and others may want to add their own helpful info too.

I just became aware of this from May 2022, so posting the link below for anyone who may be interested: Largest worldwide Tourette syndrome genetics and neuroimaging study also promises insight into related disorders

@MLee The effects were varied with some as soon as a few days to a few weeks+ This was over 20 years ago so that's about as specific as I can be. Adding a magnesium supplement and Epsom Salts baths was most notable in calming some of his more severe tics. We added other things gradually on the advice of our Integrative Physician, and continued to see increased improvements. This was in conjunction to removing what we began to identify as tic triggers.

Hi @JRog Sorry I can't post more right now - but do look into what is known as Tourettic OCD (when tics and OCD morph) and also possible PANS (infection triggered tics/ocd etc)

@MLee yes, we had many tests, including bloodwork. We saw Integrative Physicians.Yes, the rapid improvements in my son after we began corrective nutritional and other specifically recommended supplements was remarkable, especially as he had actually been in a negative decline after we started the Rx drugs the Neurologist had prescribed. It was through ACN (then a magazine) that I learned about the alternative ways to approach tics & TS and I will forever be thankful for Sheila's dedication in providing this info. If you look at just the first post in my looong thread started in 2004, you can see more detail of what we did. https://latitudes.org/forums/topic/687-the-treatments-that-have-helped-my-son/

Hi MLee My son's first tic at 4yo, before we knew he had TS, was eye rolling and blinking. We had a specialized eye test and he did needed corrective lenses, and those did help a LOT, though not a "cure" per se Later when more tics developed, the eye tics were a bit different, and only really settled once we started the needed nutritional supplements and removal of tic triggering dietary, environmental etc factors Flashing light always has triggered him, so daylight lamps while watching TV or playing video games helped. Interesting @Conanjaguar re you also noticing focus - as it was always evident that being focused intently on something seemed to bring about an overall calm in tics for my son - something we noticed even more when he played guitar/sang

Hi @FraggleRed Just an FYI that we did NOT use acetyl-L-carnitine We were advised to use just L-carnitine I believe there is a difference.

Hello @TheMainMan We used L-carnitine short term when my son had a shouting/yelling tic. Our Integrative physician recommended it. I don't know the exact biochemistry behind it - but I can confirm it immediately helped my son with that loud vocal tic. Once that tic had calmed, my son stopped using it, again on the advice of our physician, who said it was best used "as needed short term" I am only aware of it helping with vocal tics- so can't comment on any general use.

Conanjaguar - are your referring to mold or mildew? Mold is dangerous to health in general, and usually something that needs specialized cleaning, especially as the spores can be hazardous. Especially black mold needs professional treatment. Mildew is what is most commonly found. There are cleaners for that, usually include chlorine bleach, which has been found to be triggering for tics in some people. We have successfully used hydrogen peroxide to clean the mildew that tries to grow in moist areas like bathrooms etc. White vinegar also eradicates mildew. Neither of those cleaners seemed to be triggering for my son

The Dopamine connection in TS tics has been known for a long time - I am heading out so not time to post more now - but if you do an internet search for dopamine and Tourette tics, you will find many research reports, articles etc Dopamine levels increase during puberty.

Hi again @Conanjaguar Different people seem to have varied dietary reactions that depend very much on their individual specific allergies and sensitivities to things like gluten, sugars, dairy etc. But one thing seems relatively consistent and that is to avoid all artificial food additives like food coloring dyes, flavoring and other processed food chemicals. pesticides etc and high mercury fish like tuna We found a balanced organic diet to be key. But again, some people have very specific sensitivities that need to be factored in, where even "good" food may not be so for them. Keeping a food journal is helpful.

Welcome to the forum @Conanjaguar I agree that our experience with my son was that his tics were at their worst in the period just pre and during puberty. General consensus also seems to agree with this, and it seems it may be related to increased dopamine

Hi @MLee My son does well now and his tics are so minimal that hardly anyone would notice them. Even when they are triggered now - they are nowhere near what he once had in his preteen years! His tics started to improve as soon as he stopped the pharma rx meds, started specific supplements/nutrients, avoided things that triggered his tics. As he passed the teenage pubertal years, there was a continued improvement in the overall tics. He has a good job, works hard, nice apartment. Well adjusted, and, having dealt with TS since childhood, he is a more compassionate and empathic person toward others. He feels TS gave him a lot of insights he may not have otherwise had. Number one tic trigger still seems to be stress - which is often harder to control in this stressful world - and so he continues to create and play music to relax, plus he has a set up that allows him to unwind with video games that is not triggering for him. He has maintained a healthy organic diet, and avoids any food additives that have always triggered his tics (artificial colors, flavors, chemical fillers, MSG etc etc) He also still avoids other environmental things that he has long known were triggers for his tics (eg chlorine pools, flashing lights, artificial fragrances/perfume etc). He continues to take certain supplements that work well for him. Experience has shown him that these are important to his overall health and well being, as well as to keeping TS symptoms minimal. Hope that answers your question :)

Thankful with you, as I sure know the feeling when you see relief for your child !

Hi Nate It is astonishing sometimes what triggers tics - points again to how individual reactions to various factors, and even treatments, can sometimes be. Was your daughter reactive to organic produce? We discovered that my son's later diagnosed Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) factored in to some of his reactivity/tic triggers.

Hi MLee I agree that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy was very beneficial for my son in many respects, especially with vocal substitutes etc But some of the "mouth tics" can also be involuntary motor tics - which is a little harder to apply those principles of CBT to I think?