New TS tic / Vitamin Question

[Gina]

Hello Everyone,

 

I have a couple of questions to throw out to you all. My son (Dan 9 yrs) has a new tic. As I have posted in the past, every April since my son was diagnosed with TS 4 yrs ago he comes up with a new tic. I feel it is allergy related but why its a new tic each time is a bit baffling. His new tic is with his jaw. He kind of moves it from side to side and than scrunches his lips. It kind of looks like he is trying real hard to get somthing out of his teeth. As with the past April tics it last for a few weeks and than subsides but I am really worried about this one because it is hurting his jaw and I am not sure what to do to help him. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

My next question is about vitamins. As of now my son takes a multi vitamin, B6, B1, Calcium Chew, Magnesium Taurate, and Zinc. I am wondering about a B-combo instead of the individuals and also if anyone knows of a calcium/mag. taurate combo. Would love to know brands that work for others befor I start my journey to the vitamin shoppe for hours of reading labels.

 

Thanks

Gina

[Guest Diane]

Gina

 

I have several family members with TS, including two teenage sons, so I've witnessed a lot of tics come and go. I found with my sons in particular that seasonal changes (fall, spring - including allergy season) would worsen tics or they would re-emerge where they had previously subsided. April is the time of year when allergies start to become more problematic. These tics are not always the same, as it is the nature of TS for tics to emerge and subside, wax and wane, and change. You cannot always expect a certain tic at a certain time, although you certainly can know tic-triggers.

 

I treat their allergies with basic allergy medication, but only the least amount possible and only if they are showing symptoms (excessive sneezing, etc.) and as far as the tics go, I try and wait it out and keep their environment (room, house etc.) as allergen-free as possible.

 

Diane

[jillann]

Gina,

I'm sorry that I don't have answers for you regarding the vitamins/supplements...

 

I do want to thank you for mentioning the annual tic occurrence.

We were so surprised when this year, like last year, March/April

turned our world upsidedown. Last year, March was so severe, that

our son was diagnosed with depression along with the ts and ocd.

After about a month or two, things settled down and he was better.

 

This year, BAM...the same thing starting in late March, but it lasted

for about a month, and then he pulled out. His symptoms were

different, but the timing was right on.

 

Diane mentioned an allergy connection since spring time does bring on allergies for many. My son was skin tested for allergies before we realized that the throat clearing and eye rolling were TS. He was allergic to nothing! I am just starting to search this website for info. It is obvious that something is affecting him though. Maybe the mystery is close to being solved

 

I will be better prepared for next spring. Thanks!

 

Jillann

[Frank_Sm1th]

Gina,

 

My son (10) takes Country Life Calcium-Magnesium sometimes. It's hypoallergenic and vegetarian.

They're big tablets and hard for a kid to swallow, though. They also are unpleasant to chew, so we ground 'em up with a mortar & pestle and put the powder in veggie caps.

 

Rather than give lots of supplements, we've been concentrating on better absorption. Digestive enzymes work well for us.

 

Frank