New to Tics with my child and don't know what to do!

[Mudhoney123]

HI All, I'm an Australian\Brisbane Resident and am not sure where to look for help for my son. Basically the background of my son's issues are.

My son (9 years old), while not diagnosed (I have a wife who is an Occupational Therapist that works with children, which helps though) does err on the side of having Sensory Processing issues in some small areas, is highly intelligent in a  lot of areas, has sleep issues and generalised anxiety about being left alone in a  room, day and night.

In the last 3-4 months he has started complaining of feeling sick often (in the morning), and particularly having headaches (often in the afternoon).

More recently though (last Saturday) he developed a very pronounced jerking neck tic, that cracks his neck (and causes some discomfort). It will last for 5-7 seconds, continue maybe 6 or seven times in a  row, with a 10 minute gap in between the tics. Sometimes though ti will cease for up to an hour, but then  back again frequently.

The GP originally organised MRI for him, which has come back all good except for some "minor insults" to the left peritrigonal which they call insignificant.

Now it seems though that the health professionals have dropped us like hot potatoes and are unconcerned. We will look to find another GP who is more helpful, but where should we look to now? Is a Neurologist now unecessary given the lack of lesions etc on the brain. Do we look to book into a PAediatrician instead? Is it a movement specialist we need? Does my son need more blood tests etc. to rule anything else out before going down the road of it just being a tic? We are a bit lost and hoping for help. I'm sorry if I've posted incorrectly here.

Thanks!

 

Matt

 

[Chemar]

Hi mudhoney

Sorry your post has not had any answers yet. I am bumping it up in case any other members from Australia may be able to help.

Based on your descriptions of the separation anxiety and feeling ill, headaches, it honestly would be wise to investigate further to check if any infection connection (ie PANS/PANDAS) as well as allergies (food & environmental) etc

If your child has had strep or possible other infections, you may also want to check ou PANS forum https://latitudes.org/forums/forum/17-pans-pandas-lyme-included/

We found using Integrative physicians best as they have a more holistic approach (They are fully qualified conventional MDs who also have training in complementary/alternative/naturopathic medicine.

Do also take a look at our pinned post with potential helpful info

I hope this gives you some avenues to follow.

[Sheila]

Matt,  I sympathize with your concerns and know this must all be very distressing. I would focus first on why your son has not been feeling well--the stomach aches and headaches. The underlying problem could be connected to the tics, since you have already seen a neurologist for an evaluation and results were negative.  You could see a pediatrician to rule out infection, and also look for a well trained naturopath or functional medicine practitioner  to explore laboratory tests for food sensitivities. A candida overgrowth or other intestinal imbalance is often found with kids who have tics and digestive complaints.  

Reduce sugars dramatically and be sure to avoid any artificial flavors, colors and preservatives.  Consider taking him off dairy for a 2 week trial.  

Is there any chance you have a mold issue at home?  I'm dropping you a message.  Let us know how your son is doing please.