Cold sores/herpes virus and Tourette Syndrome?

[Guest Guest_Laurensmom]

My daughter has had re-occuring cold sores on her tongue, and when she has an outbreak, her tics worsen.

 

Just now, I stumbled upon a couple things of interest. Perhaps some of you came across this already??

 

The herpes virus hides in the nervous system. This is called "latency." A latent virus can wait inside the nervous system for days, months, or even years. At some future time, the virus "awakens" and causes the cell to produce thousands of new viruses that cause an active infection.

 

And check this out:

 

Although it is unknown what triggers latent virus to activate, several conditions seem to bring on infections. These include stress, illness, tiredness, exposure to sunlight, menstruation, fever, and diet.

 

Also tic triggers?

 

http://www.herpes.com/Nutrition.shtml

 

Can anyone find anything else that might pertain to a link between herpes/cold sores and TS?

 

I think I'll ask our ped for some antiviral meds sheesh!?

 

Additionally I was stunned to find this!

 

"Tourette-like disorder after herpes encephalitis."

 

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.f...2&dopt=Abstract

 

But, I can't find any more information???

[Guest Guest_Laurensmom]

And this is also very interesting:

 

A diet that is rich in the amino acid lysine may help prevent recurrences of cold sores. Foods which contain high levels of lysine include most vegetables, legumes, fish, turkey, and chicken. In one study, patients taking lysine supplements had milder symptoms during an outbreak, a shorter healing time, and had fewer outbreaks than patients who did not take lysine. Patients should take 1,000 mg of lysine three times a day during a cold sore outbreak and 500 mg daily on an ongoing basis to prevent recurrences. Intake of the amino acid arginine should be reduced. Foods rich in arginine that should be avoided are chocolate, peanuts, almonds, and other nuts and seeds.

 

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids (a substance in fruits that helps the body to absorb and use vitamin C) have been shown to reduce the duration of a cold sore outbreak and reduce the number of sores. The vitamin B complex includes important vitamins that support the nervous system where viruses can hide out. B complex vitamins can also help manage stress, an important contributing factor to the outbreak of herpes viruses. Applying the oil in vitamin E capsules directly to cold sores may provide relief. Zinc lozenges appear to affect the reproduction of viruses and also enhance the immune system. Ointments containing lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) or licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and peppermint (Mentha piperita) have been shown to help cold sores heal.

 

An imbalance in the amino acids lysine and arginine is thought to be one contributing factor in herpes virus outbreaks.

 

So were seeing that B vitamins, Amino Acids, and Zinc *all helpful in TS, are also helpful for cold sores?

 

Also get this:

 

...

 

"In vitro studies indicate that the amino acid arginine is required by the herpes virus to replicate. Lysine competes with arginine for intestinal transport, so a diet rich in lysine (brewers yeast, legumes, dairy, wheat germ, fish and meat) and low in arginine may have an antiviral effect.

 

Also:

 

"Take vitamin C rich foods, yet avoid citruses during the episode. Foods rich in lysine (beef, cheese, eggs, potatoes, soybeans, etc.) can reduce the time of the outbreak."

 

More on nutrition:

 

What foods are high in lysine and low in arginine?

 

Fish, chicken, beef, lamb, milk, cheese, beans, brewer's yeast, mung bean sprouts and most fruits and vegetables have more lysine than arginine, except for peas.

 

http://www.herpes.com/Treatment.shtml

 

Avoid: Gelatin, chocolate, carob, coconut, oats, wholewheat and, white flour, peanuts, soybeans, and wheatgerm have more arginine than lysine.

[Laurensmom]

I'm surprised there is such little interest in this:

 

I've found this as well ...

 

"At one time on this forum, someone posted a response that indicated their child was treated with an antiviral medication that stopped the ticcing in their child. My daughter,who has mild TS and horrible canker sores has previously been treated for the canker sores with an antiviral medication that no longer seems effective. We are going to see the doctor this week. Would the poster who gave that original info be willing to give the name of the antiviral used? Maybe it could help us two ways -- the ticcing and the canker sores. Any other advice from anyone else would be greatly appreciated. I just have a feeling these are all tied together. Thank you!"

 

http://neuro-www.mgh.harvard.edu/forum_2/T...csCankerso.html

 

Additionally they have used Amantadine (an anti-viral) in treatment Tourette syndrome and Parkinsons?

 

... Encephalitis is caused by several types of viral infections. Herpesvirus is the most common cause ...

 

Tourette's involves a genetic predisposition and an autoimmune trigger leading to a neurological abnormality.

[Laurensmom]

For those interested "Zinc" is a natural anti-viral that fights the herpes virus.

 

I'm going to give it a try for my daughters cold sores, and see if her tics lessen.

 

Here is a complete list of natural anti-virals.

 

http://www.connecticutcenterforhealth.com/...iotic.html#sec8

 

Involved in all aspects of cellular & humoral immunity.

Particularly important: young children & elderly.

Assists in the restoration of reduced levels of thymic hormones.

Shortens duration of acute rhinitis infections.

Inhibits viral replication (rhino, picorna, Herpes simplex, vaccinia).

Inhibits inflammation of respiratory mucosa and infection by human rhinovirus.

[Chemar]

Hi Denise

how nice to see you here

 

intersting research you have done there!

 

my son hasnt ever had cold sores or other herpes outbreaks so I cant comment on the correlations.

He did have pretty severe chicken pox when younger tho, which is also herpes viral.

he started ticcing more again a few weeks ago after over a year of extremely mild tics, and then got some glandular swelling. sure enough, doctor has run tests to see if it may be mono, which is Epstein Barr virus...again a herpes relative. We will know next week when the blood test results are in

[Laurensmom]

Hi Denise

how nice to see you here

 

intersting research you have done there!

 

my son hasnt ever had cold sores or other herpes outbreaks so I cant comment on the correlations.

He did have pretty severe chicken pox when younger tho, which is also herpes viral.

he started ticcing more again a few weeks ago after over a year of extremely mild tics, and then got some glandular swelling. sure enough, doctor has run tests to see if it may be mono, which is Epstein Barr virus...again a herpes relative. We will know next week when the blood test results are in

Very interesting.

 

It's good to know there is something you may be able to do.

 

I'm loading up on the Zinc!

 

Best wishes to you and your son Chemar.

[Chemar]

DOnt forget the L-Lysine

 

It INHIBITS Herpes ability to reproduce.

The herpes virus lives in spinal ganglia and is most often dormant. But, with stress or some of the other things you mentioned above, it begins to reproduce and that results in the tingling and numbness and burning and other often painful sensations along the nerves. It then breaks out as the blister and sheds the virus in order to spread.

 

The L-Lysine seems to keep it dormant, or, if taken at the first symptoms, can often stop the repro cycle and prevent the outbreak. It isnt a cure, but sure is a safe and effective preventative.

 

needs to be combined with the zinc.

 

[Laurensmom]

DOnt forget the L-Lysine

 

It INHIBITS Herpes ability to reproduce.

The herpes virus lives in spinal ganglia and is most often dormant. But, with stress or some of the other things you mentioned above, it begins to reproduce and that results in the tingling and numbness and burning and other often painful sensations along the nerves. It then breaks out as the blister and sheds the virus in order to spread.

 

The L-Lysine seems to keep it dormant, or, if taken at the first symptoms, can often stop the repro cycle and prevent the outbreak. It isnt a cure, but sure is a safe and effective preventative.

 

needs to be combined with the zinc.

 

Indeed! Good point.

 

I've personally been treating this in a dietary manner (feeding L-lysine foods ~ and avoiding or combining w/ the noted lysine foods above) but I do think I'll get some "L-Lysine" from www.puritan.com as well.

 

Puritan has it's buy one get 2 free sale now, I am about to order:

 

http://www.puritan.com/pages/psearch.asp?x...D8100E9C12&sc=3

 

Here is a list of foods with a higher lysine than argnine ratio: Argnine FEEDS the virus ...

 

Here is a short list:

 

Remember, try to balance everything you eat, e.g., if you eat foods high in Arginine, balance them with L-lysine foods or with Lysine/L-lysine tablets (500mg/day minimum). Lysine products can be purchased online or from most health food stores and specialty shops.

 

High in Lysine Dietary sources:

 

beef

brewer's yeast.

cheese

chicken

dairy products,

eggs

fish

meat

milk

potatoes

soybeans

yogurt

* Avoid or balance these common high in Arginine Dietary sources:

 

brown rice

caffeine

chocolate

coconut

nuts

nut products

oatmeal

raisins

seeds

whole wheat bread

 

More on nutrition here:

 

http://www.globalherbalsupplies.com/herpes...ation.htm#table

 

http://www.herpes.com/nutrition.html

 

What's interesting is that my daughter describes a tingly sensation in her body and extremities, which seem related to her tics?

[RTO1214]

Chemar, This is not related to the herpes but I think last spring you posted about an increase in tics in your son. My son always has an increase during the spring and I believe it must be his allergies. He has pollen, grass, tree allergies and I always notice his tics are higher during the high pollen season.

 

Just a thought. The information on the herpes virus is very interesting.

 

My sons gets a cold sore every couple of months and his tics alway increase for a few days during the outbreak!!

 

Thanks for the great information. Robin

[Laurensmom]

Chemar, This is not related to the herpes but I think last spring you posted about an increase in tics in your son. My son always has an increase during the spring and I believe it must be his allergies. He has pollen, grass, tree allergies and I always notice his tics are higher during the high pollen season.

 

Just a thought. The information on the herpes virus is very interesting.

 

My sons gets a cold sore every couple of months and his tics alway increase for a few days during the outbreak!!

 

Thanks for the great information. Robin

My daughter had allergy symptoms last spring as well.

 

I read that foods high in quercitin provide natural allergy relief.

 

Here is a great article on that subject:

 

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/fitness_and...04_feature9.jsp

 

" Quercitin, a plant compound found in apples and grapes, also inhibits inflammation in nasal passages."

 

So we eat lots of apples around here. Additionally, quercitin can be found in apple/grape juice. Not sure quercitin helps with tics, but if it helps with the allergies ... perhaps?

[Laurensmom]

Inspired by Chemar.

 

List of human herpes viruses:

 

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

Epstein Barr Virus (Mononucleosis)

Roseola Infantum (Exanthem Subitum)

Zoster Virus

Initial: Varicella Zoster Virus (Chicken Pox)

Reactivation: Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

 

Herpes Simplex Virus

Type 1: Oral Herpes

Type 2: Genital Herpes

[Laurensmom]

One VERY important piece I failed to mention:

 

Amantadine *an anti-viral med* has been helpful for TS and Parkinsons.

 

http://www.google.com.ar/search?sourceid=n...ne+and+tourette

 

However the side effects beg consideration:

 

Amantadine: Increases dopamine levels to offset tics. Side affects include jitteriness, attention problems, insomnia and depression.

[Chemar]

hmmmm

 

I would also urge caution using anything for TS that elevates dopamine. I stress I am talking about Tourette tics now. There is research evidence that suggests that tourette tics may be linked in some way to a hypersensitivity to dopamine at the receptor level. Thus elevating dopamine in a tourette person could have a negative effect.

 

 

 

Hi ROBIN

 

yes, his tics were up a bit last spring too. However all allergy testing has always returned no seasonal allergies and only a dustmite known allergy.

 

This time tho I really think he does have mononucleosis or some stealth virus thing. His OCD is elevated too and I know that viruses do that big time! There is a lot of mono going round the school too, as well as strep, tho his culture was -ve for strep but I requested bloodwork on that too to be sure.

I will post back when we have all the blood test results back on 29th

[Laurensmom]

hmmmm

 

I would also urge caution using anything for TS that elevates dopamine. I stress I am talking about Tourette tics now. There is research evidence that suggests that tourette tics may be linked in some way to a hypersensitivity to dopamine at the receptor level. Thus elevating dopamine in a tourette person could have a negative effect.

 

 

I wondered that myself?

[RTO1214]

LaurensMom, My son gets very very hyper on apples and grapes, along with his TS he has ADD, OCD and anxiety issues. His ADD is so HIGH when he eats apples and grapes so that is out of the questions for us.

 

Chemar, I hope you get good results from the lab work. I will keep you and your son in my prayers. Robin