is this a tic?

[worrywort2]

Hello, I'm the mother of two boys, 5 and 2. I've had a head jerking tic since I was a teen (it's very mild and people say I'm great at hiding it...even though hiding it tires me out). My 5 yr old developed a vocal tic (throat clearing with a hmmm) 1 yr ago. It lasted 2 months and we saw the pediatrician and a neurologist during that time (they were no help). He now has a slight nose twitch. Now, the big mystery is that my 2 yr old started doing this thing with his left arm where he kind of hikes up his shoulder as if his shirt is bugging him. The odd thing is that when he has no shirt on he doesn't do it at all. Has anyone heard of this (a tic only occurring when a shirt is on)? I just know that there is no instance where I can stop my tic, so, I'm wondering if this is something else. I also find it interesting that both boys started their tics at the exact time of the year (when molds are very high) They are both allergic to molds, cats, dogs and peanuts. I'm starting to think this is triggered by the mold. I would greatly appreciate any words of wisdom. This is really getting me down.

[Chemar]

Hi worrywort

glad you made it to the forum

 

it is quiet here today because of the holiday weekend but I know other members will be interested in your post

 

as I mentioned to you in my message, I would recommend that you look at info on Sensory Integration Dysfunction which may be something that is causing the shrugging type tic in your child

 

i also think you are being very astute in considering possible allergy triggers for your and the children's tics.

 

I dont know if you have read Giselle's thread re sweaty sleeping, but it seems an allergic reaction may have set off tics for her child recently

 

others will be along to give you there input soon I am sure

[Guest]

Hi Worrywort,

 

I would second Chemar's advice on checking out Sensory Integration Dysfunction. I know that when a certain type of shirt (too tight), etc. is bothering me it will cause a tic. Another example for me is during acupuncture when there's a pillow under my knees, it bothers me, and I'll have a leg tic. The leg tic only lasts during the time the pillow's there (I need to ask to not use it).

 

Also check the type of laundry detergent you use. Maybe your son's allergic to the dyes or something in the laundry detergent.

 

Carolyn

[worrywort2]

Hi,

 

Thanks for the feedback. I scheduled an OT evaluation for my son to see if they think it could be sensory related. I'm also trying to ease up on all the artificial dyes, colors, & flavors. I read a little bit about the Feingold diet. My friend told me about a nutritionist in town who might be worth seeing, also. I guess I'll try anything reasonable at this point. I am very worried about what the future might be like if both of my boys have to deal with this.

[petb]

You may want to make sure his clothes are 100% cotton, they have the tags removed, are light colored, and have been washed with clear detergent rinsed twice and no frabric softener. We have to be sure all of the cothing that touches my son are like this.

[Chemar]

Hi petb and welcome to the forum

 

I agree fully re the tags, the 100% cotton and the dye free/perfume free detergent and well rinsed clothes, but I honestly cant see where the colour of the fabric would affect someone with Sensory Integration Dysfunction?

 

Is it just that your child prefers the appearance of light coloured fabric? Very interesting then, as mine prefers the deeper shades, although he doesnt "react" to whites and lighter colours, and he also has SID!

 

In addition to hating clothes that fit tightly, he also cant stand the feel of seams and freqently wears underwear and socks turned inside out

[worrywort2]

If this is a case of SID, why do you suppose that it just started suddenly? Actually, he's always been a bit sensative to hugs, hair washing, walking barefoot on grass, and getting things on his hands. So, it definitely makes sense. I'm just wondering about the sudden tic. In regards to my attempt at "natural" foods, we've been at this for about 3 days now and my tics seem to be a bit better. Maybe it's just wishful thinking, but, I'll take anything at this point. I have sworn off artificial sweeteners for life! Does anyone know of any good books/magazines/websites with realastic info about eating/living more naturally (dye free, etc..)? Thanks.

[Guest]

Hi worrywort2,

 

Did your son by any chance recently have any vaccines? Maybe that increased the sensory issues? For me at two years of age I suddenly stopped eating all my favorite foods including fruits and veggies (for me it was always thought I was just a picky eater, but it was always a sensory issue). I've been working to get heavy metals out of my body for the past year and have seen most foods come back into my choices. For me I think that was caused by metals with a combination of vaccines, my mother's cavity fillings in about every tooth, and probably even pesticides from living on a farm.

 

Glad to hear that your tics seem to be a bit better.

 

I recommend Sheila's book called Tics and Tourette’s: Breakthrough Discoveries in Natural Treatments. There's more info here: http://www.latitudes.org/book.html

 

For natural houskeeping & gardening solutions I liked one of these books:

The good earth home & garden book or Natural cleaning for your home : 95 pure and simple recipes. Both by Casey Kellar.

 

I'm not for sure about other books, but maybe someone else knows of some that are good.

 

Carolyn

[Chemar]

an excellent book explaining and helping with SID is "The Out of Sync Child" by Carol Stock Kranowitz

 

http://www.out-of-sync-child.com/

 

 

Dr Weil has great tips and recipes for natural living

http://www.drweil.com

 

 

and dr Mercola's site is full of info on why artificial and refined foods should be avoided

http://www.mercola.com

[worrywort2]

Thanks! This world of "natural treatments" is totally new to me! I just can't believe all the chemicals that I've been pouring into my body. I'm really wondering about aspartame. I grew up in a diabetic family and EVERYTHING had artificial sweeteners. Up until now, I've been adicted to diet sodas. My son drank quite a bit of one of my gigantic diet sodas the week before all these tics started for him. I just wonder if that was a trigger.

[Chemar]

aspartame (nutrasweet) and sucralose (splenda) are both big tic and OCD triggers for my son

 

there is also much information on dr Mercola's site about the dangers of both of these artificial sweeteners to general health