Our 7 year old son exhibits facial tics and recently had an episode of head/neck tics. The facial tics have been inconsistent fon and off for the last year in September. The first started when he started first grade in a new school, then continued after he got glasses (which made him very uncomfortable). The tics were very mild at first and we thought it could be related to nervousness from his new school, his new glasses or related to his eyesight. After ruling out the issues with his eyesight, we did more research on tics and started to clean up his diet as well as minimize the chemicals around the house. We had also read that strep throat was a significant contributer. Our daughter (his sister) had cronic strep throat, so he was exposed to it frequently. She has since had her tonsils and adnoids removed and the house has been mostly illness free until a couple of weeks ago. The tics were also still noticeable, but less frequent and milder. Recently he got a sinus infection and was perscribed anti-biotics. This almost immediately triggered very significant tics, not only facial, but also head/neck tics. This was after only 2 days of anti-biotics (omnicef (cefdinir). We have since taken him off the anti-biotics which may have included a red dye. The head/neck tics disappeared, but significant facial tics remained. We have considered seeing a neurologist, but would prefer to go a more natural route. Do you have any suggestions in terms of approach and/or physicians we can see who specialize in environmental medicine related to tics. We live in New York. Thanks in advance for your help.
- Vanessa
