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Vocal tics and options....


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Hi everyone...I just signed up for this board since I was surfing the net looking for a resource that might be able to give me some insight on how to approach my problem. I am a 20 year old college junior and I recently had the courage to go to the doctor and have my condition checked out and, lo, I was diagnosed with Tourette's. Basically, I've suffered from it since I was at least 10 or 11....it started out with facial grimaces but escalated to odd hand movements and other such things like that. When I was 13, I started having a vocal tic where I make a barking type sound and something that sounds like a whimper. This particular tic is the one that has caused me the most problems over the years...the motor tics have come and gone and are only barely noticable for me now.

 

The vocals, however, have only gotten worse...it seemed like they lessened over the past couple of years but they have recently come back, as bad as ever, if not worse. I can handle the whole accepting it deal, since I've come to terms with the fact I have Tourette's, but my big problem is that I live in an apartment complex and my upstairs neighbor has been complaining lately about the noise, something I really can't help. I'm taking Clonidine for it, but it doesn't seem to be helping....I came on here and have been reading about how nutritional supplements can be of some help in alleviating them so I was wanting your advice. My primary focus is helping to lessen the vocal tics, the motors are all but gone. I am about 140 pounds and am 5'7" (I'm a little guy, I know). I just want to know what supplements I should look into and how large a dosage...I don't want to make them worse than they are, but I also need some relief from them. Anyone have some ideas on how I might go about it? Thanks everyone!!

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Hi and welcome

 

vocal tics sure are the toughest ones to deal with socially arent they!

 

as you read around here you will find tons of helpful info........one thing I would highly recommend is that you avoid artificial foods, especially coloring (food dyes) and artificial sweeteners like nutrasweet(aspartame) and splenda(sucralose) as many find they intensify tics, and my own son has found them to be vocal tic triggers for him

 

I have a thread on what we did that helped him , which may give you some pointers

http://www.latitudes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=687

 

THE SUPPLEMENT SOMETIMES HELPFUL WITH VOCAL TICS IS L-CARNITINE which is an amino acid.

 

I am sure the other folks here will have lots of helpful info to add

 

all the best :huh:

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Thanks....I appreciate the advice. I'd like to find a specialist about it and get their opinion but I don't have any health insurance since I come from a very poor family....getting the best treatment isn't much of an option for me right now. That's why I'm looking at the supplements as an alternative...I went to GNC today and bought some l-carnitine but haven't started taking it yet...I plan to go back to my family doctor sometime in the next couple of weeks and seeing what he thinks. He isn't really familiar with Tourette's though and is mostly going by what his medical references say....I don't want to seem presumptuous and start telling him how to direct my treatment though. The Clonidine isn't working, though, so I need to look to a different treatment option. If anyone has some advice on how I might be able to proceed, please let me know. I'm very depressed about my condition since it makes it difficult for me to even relax at home, with my upstairs neighbors being up in arms about it. Thanks for the help, though, it really means a lot to me.

 

Hi and welcome

 

vocal tics sure are the toughest ones to deal with socially arent they!

 

as you read around here you will find tons of helpful info........one thing I would highly recommend is that you avoid artificial foods, especially coloring (food dyes) and artificial sweeteners like nutrasweet(aspartame) and splenda(sucralose) as many find they intensify tics, and my own son has found them to be vocal tic triggers for him

 

I have a thread on what we did that helped him , which may give you some pointers

http://www.latitudes.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=687

 

THE SUPPLEMENT SOMETIMES HELPFUL WITH VOCAL TICS IS L-CARNITINE which is an amino acid.

 

I am sure the other folks here will have lots of helpful info to add

 

all the best :huh:

9400[/snapback]

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Valhariel

 

do remember that TS is classified a disability and your neighbors can no more get upset with you for your disability than they could for hearing the sound of someone blind using a stick to tap their way around..........if needs be you may have to get a letter from your doctor that you can photocopy and give to them to explain that this is not something you have control over. Also check whether you may be eligible for medical insurance and other disability benefits

 

 

Have you been to the Tourette Syndrome Association website yet? lots of info you may find helpful

 

http://www.tsa-usa.org

 

another website you may find useful

 

http://www.tourettesyndrome.net

 

and a great site by Dr Dunc, who is a psychologist who has TS himself

http://www.lifesatwitch.com

 

all the best and do stay in touch here. It is so important to have a caring support group at these times , and we are here for you

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  • 2 months later...

Hi Nick,

My son is 17 and has dealt with both motor and vocal tics since he was about 5 years old. Within the past year we started supplements developed by Bonnie Grimaldi specifically for TS. His vocal tics are nearly gone. You can get information about the supplements at her web site. We also found that he is allergic to corn (and corn syrup is in everything it seems!) We are still working on eliminating all of his tics, but I think you're on the right track to look into nutrition for some relief. Goog luck-- Vickia

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Hi there! From a $$$ standpoint I think one of the easiest things to try is changing your diet before buying supplements. The only time my son has vocal tics is with any dairy. He is also sensitive to corn (corn syrup, corn flour etc.), eggs and chocolate. Others have problems with gluten, food additives etc...everyone is different. It would be worthwhile to read up on doing a food elimination diet. Good luck! I would also highly recommend Sheila Rogers new book on tics and tourettes...it is very good and may give you some insights into triggers for your vocal tics. Ronna

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  • 3 weeks later...

Hello Valhariel:

 

1. As others have suggested, allergy is one of the surest triggers for vocal tics. In my case, in addition to specific foods, any harsh chemical odors (including perfumes) can set them off. I try to avoid them as far as possible. A key accompanying factor (in my case) is that my lungs go into a spasm (that is I can exhale but not inhale). This causes or increases the vocal tics. I have been helped by a)Magnesium: there is evidence that Mg relaxes the lungs, b)Lily of the valley pure essence - strangely, this helps me breathe deeply; there is science to support this. c) inhaling herbal bronchodilators such as vasaka (by placing a small amount on an incense burner. Another thing that helps in the management of vocal tics is the practice of yogic breath control (in particular, a technique called ujjaayi).

 

2. Another surefire trigger of vocal tics (in my case) has been mold allergy -- when it has been rainy, warm, and muggy and the house has not been adequately ventilated (as would be the case in fall or winter, when there are mild days). When I realize this, I take Pau D'Arco extract and experience substantial relief.

 

3. Elsewhere on this forum, I have discussed how Carnosine (not l-carnitine) has helped me with all aspects of TS.

 

4. Go upstairs to your neighbor; greet him courteously, and explain to him that you don't mean to intentionally disturb him but you have this medical condition. Look him in the eye and answer his questions.

 

5. You say "I am 5' 7" and 140 lb. I know, I am a little guy..." Are you so ashamed of yourself that you feel the need to apologize for your size? Feelings of self-inadequacy are common when one has an "embarassing" condition, but the only thing one has to be ashamed of is if one has hurt another or has been untruthful. Not of one's height, weight, or medical conditions. By the way, I am 5' 7" and 125 lb!

 

Good Luck,

Firefly.

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Hello Valhariel:

 

1. As others have suggested, allergy is one of the surest triggers for vocal tics. In my case, in addition to specific foods, any harsh chemical odors (including perfumes) can set them off. I try to avoid them as far as possible. A key accompanying factor (in my case) is that my lungs go into a spasm (that is I can exhale but not inhale). This causes or increases the vocal tics. I have been helped by a)Magnesium: there is evidence that Mg relaxes the lungs, b)Lily of the valley pure essence - strangely, this helps me breathe deeply; there is science to support this. c) inhaling herbal bronchodilators such as vasaka (by placing a small amount on an incense burner. Another thing that helps in the management of vocal tics is the practice of yogic breath control (in particular, a technique called ujjaayi).

 

2. Another surefire trigger of vocal tics (in my case) has been mold allergy -- when it has been rainy, warm, and muggy and the house has not been adequately ventilated (as would be the case in fall or winter, when there are mild days). When I realize this, I take Pau D'Arco extract and experience substantial relief.

 

3. Elsewhere on this forum, I have discussed how Carnosine (not l-carnitine) has helped me with all aspects of TS.

 

4. Go upstairs to your neighbor; greet him courteously, and explain to him that you don't mean to intentionally disturb him but you have this medical condition. Look him in the eye and answer his questions.

 

5. You say "I am 5' 7" and 140 lb. I know, I am a little guy..." Are you so ashamed of yourself that you feel the need to apologize for your size? Feelings of self-inadequacy are common when one has an "embarassing" condition, but the only thing one has to be ashamed of is if one has hurt another or has been untruthful. Not of one's height, weight, or medical conditions. By the way, I am 5' 7" and 125 lb!

 

Good Luck,

Firefly.

 

 

 

Hello Valhariel:

 

1. As others have suggested, allergy is one of the surest triggers for vocal tics. In my case, in addition to specific foods, any harsh chemical odors (including perfumes) can set them off. I try to avoid them as far as possible. A key accompanying factor (in my case) is that my lungs go into a spasm (that is I can exhale but not inhale). This causes or increases the vocal tics. I have been helped by a)Magnesium: there is evidence that Mg relaxes the lungs, b)Lily of the valley pure essence - strangely, this helps me breathe deeply; there is science to support this. c) inhaling herbal bronchodilators such as vasaka (by placing a small amount on an incense burner. Another thing that helps in the management of vocal tics is the practice of yogic breath control (in particular, a technique called ujjaayi).

 

2. Another surefire trigger of vocal tics (in my case) has been mold allergy -- when it has been rainy, warm, and muggy and the house has not been adequately ventilated (as would be the case in fall or winter, when there are mild days). When I realize this, I take Pau D'Arco extract and experience substantial relief.

 

3. Elsewhere on this forum, I have discussed how Carnosine (not l-carnitine) has helped me with all aspects of TS.

 

4. Go upstairs to your neighbor; greet him courteously, and explain to him that you don't mean to intentionally disturb him but you have this medical condition. Look him in the eye and answer his questions.

 

5. You say "I am 5' 7" and 140 lb. I know, I am a little guy..." Are you so ashamed of yourself that you feel the need to apologize for your size? Feelings of self-inadequacy are common when one has an "embarassing" condition, but the only thing one has to be ashamed of is if one has hurt another or has been untruthful. Not of one's height, weight, or medical conditions. By the way, I am 5' 7" and 125 lb!

 

Good Luck,

Firefly.

 

 

Help!... I don't know if I'm posting correctly. I have a question Re: vocal tics. My son clicks his tongue against his pallate. Is this a vocal tic?

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Sunshine,

 

Just use the Add reply option, not the "reply.

 

It sounds to me like if what your son is doing is a tic at all and not just a habit, it would be more along the lines of a motor tic, as it doesn't really involve the vocals.

 

I read recently where about 10% of school age kids experience some kind of transient tic. Hopefully, that's all it is.

 

If you have any other concerns that you think someone may be able to help with, just ask :o

 

Kim

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Sunshine,

 

Just use the Add reply option, not the "reply.

 

It sounds to me like if what your son is doing is a tic at all and not just a habit, it would be more along the lines of a motor tic, as it doesn't really involve the vocals.

 

I read recently where about 10% of school age kids experience some kind of transient tic. Hopefully, that's all it is.

 

If you have any other concerns that you think someone may be able to help with, just ask :o

 

Kim

Thanks for your quick reply Kim! It's hard to believe that I can send a message to those of you who kow so much and are farther ahed on this difficult path. We are at the beginning of our journey, and this message board is my first ray of hope. I've been reading it for weeks, and soaking up info. like a sponge. Here's the history: Last Christmas, my son began raising his eyebrows involuntarily. We called them his 'eyebrow tricks" and had no idea that they were tics. They disappeared after 2 weeks. In March he had a sudden onset of tics: eye blinking, head turning, jaw opening and a few arm tics. The doctors diagnosed it as anxiety, and sent us off on holiday to our cabin. The tics decreased dramatically, and upon our return we pulled him out of preschool (separation anxiety became an issue), and the tics went away. In August, he went to a movie and began another onset of ticcing. We went back to the cabin (no electricity), and tics disappeared. Doctors still maintained his tics were anxiety induced. Needless to say, he began kindergarten and the tics came back slowly. They have been present all fall, and change every few weeks (eye rolling, blinking, mouth stretching, lip licking, tongue clicking and other mouth sounds not involving vocal chords). After reading these articles, I no longer believe it's "anxiety". We have done no screens for close to 3 weeks and have seen some improvement, especially in the eyes. We will see a naturopath tomorrow for help with supplements. We see the doctor on Wed. for other help. I am exhausted, and so, so, so very sad. Please help!!

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Sunshine,

 

I'm not going to tell you not to be sad, I was sad and terrified.

 

I can tell by your post that your son is very lucky to have you for a parent. It is exhausting but wonderful to find this site that gives you the option of actually having something to DO to help your child.

 

It sounds like you have already identified the sensitivity to lights/flicker and you have appts. with two people who I hope can offer you some answers and guidance.

 

You are doing the very best thing you can for your son by educating yourself. I lost my faith in the ability for regular Dr.s to offer anything useful for this syndrome, but it helps to have a good understanding of what the alternative Dr.s/naturopath are proposing too.

 

Don't forget to take a step back, realise this is not threatening your sons life, hug him, smile, so he doesn't sense your anxiety and take it one day at a time. There are many, many people here who will be glad to give you support and advice.

 

Please let us know how your appointment goes tomorrow. You might want to bring a note pad with any specific questions you have, and also to jot down anything that you may need in case the stress induced brain freeze sets in. I used to get that, but I'm getting much better. I can actually leave an appt. regarding the boys and find my car!

 

Kim

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Hi Sunshine,

 

Only have a second to write - please look into PANDAS - anytime I hear sudden onset of tics - or increase in tics PANDAS is an immediate suspicion ( onset of tics after a strep infection). If you have any questions please let me know - I read all the time, but do not post too often now. Things are going so well for us here - we have hopefully figured out our puzzle.

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Hi Sunshine and Welcome;

 

First things first take a deep breath and know that this is yet another thing that you and your child will overcome. The thing that I keep in mind that regardless of tics, asthma, allergy or whateverelse comes down the pike, it does not make your child less perfect in your eyes. I went through many feelings in the beginning of this journey and fear was the worst one. In time and slowly putting puzzle pieces together you will be able to control elements that will build on the health and well being of your child. I see you have read many posts here and there are so many educated people who you can always count on here on this site. I have learned much more here than any one place ever. Take the information here and slowly apply it. Slow and steady always wins the race. So if you have any questions, we are here for you. FYI if lights are an issue check out all of the post on pyloria. Claire wrote on that and it is interesting and full of valuable information.

 

Allison, I am so glad to hear things are well. We are ok here. The cough tic lasted a couple of days and we are doing better. Just stuff I notice you know.

 

Be Well;

 

Marie

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Thank you everyone for your kind words and wisdom. My husband and I have felt quite alone, as we live in a small town and are trying to protect our son from idle gossip. Hence, we have only each other to lean on. We do see our cup as half full, as we know others deal with even harder issues. Nevertheless, it can seem terrifying to see our lovely boy unhealthy.

 

Thanks for the tip on Pandas. Our son did have a nasty strep infection (including scarlet fever) the summer prior to developing his separation anxiety (began that fall). He also developed clothing sensitivity around the same time. One week before the sudden onset of tics he was sick, although he was never tested for strep. The doctors said that there was no connection. Now, I'm not so sure. I took him to the doctor today after looking at his red throat, feeling his swollen lymph nodes, and watching his tics increase for the past two days. He's definitely fighting something. The doctor put him on amoxicyllin (no colour or flavour!), and took a swab. We'll be patient and see what unfolds. I will read up on Pandas.

 

Thanks too for the tip on pyroluria. He is pale, has no dream recall, his hair is dull, and he still can have an issue with sock sensitivity. I have to read more on this too.

 

I hope things will feel easier once we know what dragon we are fighting. There is no history of TS, ADHD, or OCD in our families. My husband and I jump from one possibility to another.

 

Unfortunately I did not find any luck with the naturopath. We were there for 2 hours and all she did was collect information on his medical history, temperament, social skills... Then she popped a 'tincture' in his mouth without any preamble or consultation. It seems to have made my son hyper. He is usually a VERY calm, sensitive boy. How discouraging!

 

We will see his family doctor tomorrow, and I hope that see will do some tests, and make a referral to both an allergist and a neurologist. Wish us luck!

 

Sunshine

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