Eye tics

[MLee]

What helped your child with eye tics?

Edited November 23, 2022 by MLee

[Conanjaguar]

@MLee

When I had eye tics, I simply stared at an object in the distance, without blinking. It took a few months to work, but it eventually did.

The embarrassment may also be concealed by wearing tinted or polarized glasses.

[MLee]

Thank you! Did that tic eventually go away or are you always having to stare in the distance at an object?

[Conanjaguar]

18 hours ago, MLee said:

Thank you! Did that tic eventually go away or are you always having to stare in the distance at an object?

After a few months of this exercise, the tic eventually went away. But that’s right about when I started reading constantly, so I guess that helped as well.

Also, try to address any underlying issues that may be causing the tics.

[Chemar]

On 9/15/2022 at 9:36 PM, MLee said:

What helped your child with eye tics? If you found something, how long did it take to work? Thank you!

Hi MLee

My son's first tic at 4yo, before we knew he had TS, was eye rolling and blinking.

We had a specialized eye test and he did needed corrective lenses, and those did help a LOT, though not a "cure" per se

Later when more tics developed, the eye tics were a bit different, and only really settled once we started the needed nutritional supplements and removal of tic triggering dietary, environmental etc factors

Flashing light always has triggered him, so daylight lamps while watching TV or playing video games helped.

Interesting @Conanjaguar re you also noticing focus - as it was always evident that being focused intently on something seemed to bring about an overall calm in tics for my son - something we noticed even more when he played guitar/sang

[Conanjaguar]

On 9/17/2022 at 10:55 AM, Chemar said:

Interesting @Conanjaguar re you also noticing focus - as it was always evident that being focused intently on something seemed to bring about an overall calm in tics for my son - something we noticed even more when he played guitar/sang

It would indeed seem that focusing on something else helps during a bout of ticcing. You can’t not think about something, but you can think about something else.

[Conanjaguar]

My little brother has eye tics as well… I thought… no, hoped that I was the only one with Tourette’s in my family.

His tic consists of contorting his face and winking his left eye. It seems that his ticcing has irritated the conjunctiva.

What worked for me didn’t work for him, so I turn to the Forum for ideas.

[Chemar]

I know there are a number of reports on benefits of eliminating dairy on eye tics? Not saying it works for everyone, but if they are bothersome, worth a try.

Also, do a search here on IRLEN for additional possible helpful info

[MLee]

What about mg and B6 (p5p). Has this combination helped?

[Chemar]

8 hours ago, MLee said:

What about mg and B6 (p5p). Has this combination helped?

Hi MLee

In my list of treatments that helped my son, I documented that both Magnesium and Vit B6 (in the P5P form) were overall very helpful for TS tics.

 

[MLee]

Ok thank you so much Chemar!!! I found an article about that combination as well.

 

What type of magnesium did he use? Was it a gradual reduction and does he still take the combination?

 

thanks!!

Edited January 30, 2023 by MLee

[Chemar]

Magnesium has always been a key factor in reducing tics for my son and he has used various forms of it over the years but never use magnesium oxide as it is very poorly absorbed. One really needs to find the chelated form that works best for the individual. We liked magnesium taurate, as taurine is also helpful for tics.

He started the P5P form of B6 on recommendation of his Integrative physician, as it was explained it helps much in neurology and also assists increase functionality of other supplements.

He still takes these key supplements.

[MLee]

Did the mg make him tired?

[Chemar]

4 minutes ago, MLee said:

Did the mg make him tired?

Magnesium has calming effects so it relaxes, and can promote good sleep.

I don't recall the supplement specifically causing tiredness, other than in evenings as an Epsom Salts (magnesium sulphate) bath

[Chemar]

@MLee

We initially started Magnesium alone, based on Bonnie Grimaldi's research on TS tic reduction with Mag. The effect was very quick for my son with the Mag supplement at 400mg/day along with nightly Epsom Salts baths. It is generally recommended to be sure that there is an intake of Calcium (food or supp) at twice the amount of the Mag dose. My son was 10yo at the time, and his doctor said to use the adult doseage of megnesium.

We added the B6 later based on the physician's recommendation, and it definitely helped with many aspects of Tourette Syndrome

400mg is still the suggested adult supplemental magnesium dose as far as I know.