My 16 month old has just been diagnosed with Tics.

[Trish]

Hello everyone I am new here.

 

My 16 month old has just been diagnosed with Tics. They started when she was nine months old. She suffers from a Shoulder Shrug and Head Shake. Her Neurologist thought that the head shake was "Infantile Shivers" which we dont believe. The tics come and go some times a month or two would go by Tic free other times they are really bad! She has had an EEG and an MRI and both have come back normal.

 

She was born with Torticollis and had PT for that and had to have a DOC band for the flatening cause by only being able to turn her head in one direction. We thought the Torticollis had come back or that it was Spastic Torticollis. The doctors said no. My husband thought maybe nerve damage...

 

We have no idea...her Ped. said that it is Very Rare for Tics to start so young. That she may grow out of it or learn how to control it in time.

 

I am looking for other parents who's child started having Tics as a baby. Are their doctors that specialize in this? Are their groups that can help parents deal with this?

 

Thank you all for your help in advance.

[michele]

My sons tics started at thirteen months to the day. It was very freightening and upsetting. His were finger chorea movements and rapid eye blinking. We also had an EEG and CAT scan and both showed up fine. I thought they were seizures at first and cried as I watched them. We went to a neurologist right away at the Children's Hospital. Then I found one at the Cleveland Clinic where I figured we would get great care since people come from all over the world to go there. We had a different circumstance because my son tested positive to strep and had high fevers. He began getting repeat ear and strep at that point and each time his blinks and finger movements came back. They lasted for about a month each time and he also was fussy and couldn't sleep or didn't eat well. At that point they alerted us to the possibility of PANDAS and said he may be "prone " to tics. Well we have had good times and bad times since. He is now five. This year has been the hardest yet because the tics seem to have come and not gone away in about two months. He also has OCD and ADHD behaviors when he gets around or exposed to strep. I even notice it after colds and flu. The tics now are different because they are repetitive finger cracking and toe curling. He does them equal and presses on his face or back or surfaces. It is worse for me then him because they aren't bothering him at this juncture. We have never medicated for the tics. He does take PEN V for the strep daily. It never completely took the behaviors away. Also a good multivitamin and fish oils and enzymes. I am wondering what they are suggesting for your girl? I know I felt all alone. Other then scheduled visits the Dr. never seeemed concerned over my son or gave us any answers. Is she on formula? Make sure it has DHA and ARA. Ask the Dr. about giving her a multivitamin liquid. I have a seven month old too. I pray we don't go through this again. I am glad it is a girl for me. It seems like for me the boy had more neurological trouble. Maybe passed from the males in his family? My husband's family has three boys and they all crack knuckels, make faces and have depression. I hope I am not rambling here. I really feel for you. Do you have a family history of tics? The Dr.'s always reassured me by saying it went away before so it should again. I guess that is part of the waxing and waning. Keep researching and go to brain talk. I remember searching there for neurological problems with children. There is alot of babies with brain damage and feel blessed your daughter does not have this. Give her lots of hugs and kisses and enjoy her because they grow up so fast. I feel we spent alot of time and worries going to different Dr.'s try to stay focused on the now and what you can do for her today that will make a difference for her. Lots of tests and blood work take alot of time and rarely told us much. Yes they can outgrow them and learn to manage them better as their brain develops. God bless and keep me updated. Write back with any questions. I know you must feel alone. Sincerely,

Michele

 

 

Hello everyone I am new here.

 

My 16 month old has just been diagnosed with Tics. They started when she was nine months old. She suffers from a Shoulder Shrug and Head Shake. Her Neurologist thought that the head shake was "Infantile Shivers" which we dont believe. The tics come and go some times a month or two would go by Tic free other times they are really bad! She has had an EEG and an MRI and both have come back normal.

 

She was born with Torticollis and had PT for that and had to have a DOC band for the flatening cause by only being able to turn her head in one direction. We thought the Torticollis had come back or that it was Spastic Torticollis. The doctors said no. My husband thought maybe nerve damage...

 

We have no idea...her Ped. said that it is Very Rare for Tics to start so young. That she may grow out of it or learn how to control it in time.

 

I am looking for other parents who's child started having Tics as a baby. Are their doctors that specialize in this? Are their groups that can help parents deal with this?

 

Thank you all for your help in advance.