Jodi

We are going through a bad spell as well - but this post got me thinking. About two months ago (when school started - which I thought would send my son's tics (9 yrs old) through the roof), my son's tics were very minimal. My girlfriend sells all the "magnetic products" and gave us a bunch of stuff to try (magnetic bedding, water filter, and a ionic air filter). I saw a decrease in tics but just chalked it up to a natural wax/wane phase. But when since the products were returned to my friend, my son's snorting tic has been horrible. Now, I am wondering if the ionic air filter is what was keeping the tics down since it is supposed it emit negative ions into the room. We used it right by his bed. I am such a pessimist and never thought that any of the stuff would have any effect on my son's tics, but even me, when times are bad, I start looking for a magic bullet. As with many of you, I would pay gobs of money to seem some improvement. I will get that ionic air filter back into my son's room and report back. I did a brief search on the effect of the full moon/positive/negative ions and it seems like there might be some validity to this theory. Jodi

Thank you for your quick reply. So, the allergist tested for food AND environmental allergies. That is good news since insurance will pay for our visit to the allergist. When you went to the allergist, did you tell them that you were concerned that your child's tics were being triggered by allergies? If so, what was the response of the docgtor? How did the dr. test for allergies? Blood test? Why are you pursing another lab?

Well, we had the appt with the neurologist. Overall, it was a nice visit. The Dr. didn't laugh us out of his office, however, he did say that TS is not caused by any vit dificiency or chemical imbalance and he had never heard of diet/supplementation having an effect on tics. The great thing about this doc was that he had tics as a child so he was able to relate to my son really well. All that being said, I received a referral to see an allergist. But I am confused, will the alleregist test for food allergies/sensitivities or just environmental allergies like grass/mold/etc.? Also, I found an alternative medical dr. that has a good repuation around here. I spoke with her and she said she could start my son on BIOFEEDBACK. She said this will help him to quiet his nerves. So please, help me with my two questions: 1. How do I go about getting my son tested for all types of allergies - food and environmental? 2. Should I pursue the biofeedback treatment?

I agree that as parent the first step we need to make is to realize that our children can't control their tics. It is a hard realization, but a necessary step in creating a healthy and supportive home for everyone involved. I know it is hard because I am still trying to remember that my son can't help his tics - and he has had them for years! I try so hard to be supportive and to never really mention the tics, but I find it is helpful for both of us if we talk about the tics every now and then. All that being said, aren't there some relaxation techniques or replacement tic techniques that can be helpful? Has anyone had success with this? My son has a horrible sniffling tic at the moment and I am just wondering if he slowed down and took long deep breaths the sensation to sniffle might decrease? Or if he sniffed more gently, he could get the same phsysical sensation. I don't know. I wish there was a magic bullet, but I know there isn't. I just hope and pray that some of the alt treatments will be helpful eventually.

Cheri, I've read and studied your list of supplements. Out of curiousity, how do/did you get your son to take all those pills? My son is 9 and can't swollow pills yet. I saw you mention a "shake" at one point. Can you grind them into smoothies? Is that what you did when he was younger? I have been using the Spectrum brand of DHA which are soft gel capsules, and I have been using 2 tsp of Natural Calm /w lemon flavor dissolved in warm water. He likes that "tea" but I wonder about the Stevia in it, and wondering if I should add something more than plain magnesium. I am wondering how to add taurine. Jodi

I am new to all this. I have read almost all the wonderful information on this site, and have followed much of your advice. My son has had tics for many years. First, eye blinking and now persistent sniffling. Other tics have included jumping, facial contortions, stuttering, general wiggling, etc. He is 9 now - ticcing since about 6. Some OCD type-behaviors but nothing that has "gotten in the way" of his life - so far. So far, we have tried a very clean diet (including gluten and dairy free, artifical color/flavor free, etc. for almost 3 months), Magnesium supplements, multi-vits, DHA supplements (Flaxseed), Epsom Salt baths, no TV, no computer. But, NO change. We are schedule to see a neurologist. What should I expect? I don't think we are at the point of using heavy-duty meds, and want to explore natural methods. Should I expect that a M.D. will discuss alt. methods of treatment? Should I expect to get a referral to an allergist? Does any one have a list of questions that I should ask??? We need help and want to make the most of the visit with the dr. Any advice will be appreciated!!!! Jodi