Head Shaking Tic

[Robin O]

My son has started shaking his head as if he is saying "No" I noticed this a few weeks ago and did not get very concerned because it was very slight and it seemed to go away in a few days. Lately he has been shaking his head alot. I was just wondering if you guys are familiar with this type of tic. My son says he feels like he needs to shake his head but it seems more like an involuntary movement then a tic. Robin

[Guest Jeff]

Hi Robin, Yes, I have seen this tic before. In fact, my nephew has it, among others. He was diagnosed with TS when he was young, went through a bunch of meds till he got tired of the side effects, and just lives with his tics now.

Jeff

[Chemar]

Yes, Robin, my son has also had tics where he would shake his head.

[Robin O]

Hi, Thanks for the responses, I get used to my son's usual tics and when he starts something new sometimes I wonder about them.

 

Thankfully this tic does not seem to bother my son. I hope it stays this way!!

 

Thanks again, Robin.

[Guest Guest_efgh]

Robin

 

this has been and is my son's most prominent tic. hope it passes soon for your son? how is he doing now?

 

goodluck

[Robin O]

EFGH, he still has the tic. It comes and goes throughout the day. I notice it more when he is tired. He is having several tics right now.

 

My son ususally has 2-3 tics going on at the same time. I guess it just the nature of TS. Robin.

[Guest Guest_eileen]

I have three sons. My two older sons (8 and 6) have tics off and on. Right now my 6 year old is smacking his lips and my 8 year old is shaking his head (like Robin's son). It upsets me so much when I see them doing this...especially the 8 year old, because people stare at him. I don't know if they have ts or if these tics will pass. Can anyone give me advice? My pediatrician doesn't seem too knowledgeable.

[Claire]

Welcome Eileen.

 

I saw your note and started this thread...if you will read it and other threads, I believe you can help your children through this time!

 

http://www.latitudes.org/forums/index.php?...&st=0#entry4354

 

As for whether tics will pass, I believe it trying natural methods to help vs just waiting and hoping.

 

Good luck!

 

Claire

[Guest mommy2111]

I have three sons. My two older sons (8 and 6) have tics off and on. Right now my 6 year old is smacking his lips and my 8 year old is shaking his head (like Robin's son). It upsets me so much when I see them doing this...especially the 8 year old, because people stare at him. I don't know if they have ts or if these tics will pass. Can anyone give me advice? My pediatrician doesn't seem too knowledgeable.

Eileen,

 

I can really relate to your post. My son is having a head shaking tic right now. It makes me so furious when I see people staring at him. He is 7 and his tics started when he was 4. His pediatrician said "ohhh they are just habits, kids pick up things and then stop then pick up something new". One of his teachers in kindergarten picked up on it being tourettes and told me. I thought "No Way" I started reading about it and it fit my son to a "T". After the official diagnosis from a neurologist, I felt so angry at what may be in store for my son socially by others. You know what has stuck with me though?? What his pediatrician said originally, "They are just habits" Ok maybe there is name for these habits (tics) but it puts things in perspective and it helps me to keep a good atitude. When my son starts a new tic we just sort of say, "So this is you new habit?"

 

I know this doesn't help much but I wanted to share with you.

 

Hang in there!

[Gina]

My son also has the head shaking tic but now it only happens when he is wearing his bicycle helmet (if he is riding his bike he is fine but if he stops and dosent take his helmet off that tic will appear) Kinda wierd I know....

 

 

I agree it is frustrating to see people staring and looking but if its nobody your child will ever have to deal with than you have to try your best to ignore it. If its with people he will deal with on a regular basis than its best to have a talk with them and explain it. My son was diagnosed when he was in first grade and his TS came on full blast. Legs kicking out, arms swinging, throat clearing, and Head shaking so there was no getting around having to addressing it with his class. He is now going into 4th grade (his tics are much better) and all of his friends/classmates know he has TS they don't even notice it and they are also very protective over him should anyone new come around and question him.

 

You have to admit that TS can look a bit strange at times especially to people that are not aware of TS. As the old saying goes "Knowledge Is Power "

 

We also call my sons tics a "habit " in our house just because my son does not like to hear the word "tic" he says he is not half of a clock (tic-tock)

 

Gina

[Guest Guest_eileen]

 

Thank you so much for all of your advice. Right now I am in the process of trying to find a good pediatric neurologist who has an appointment open in this calendar year! Once we get a diagnosis, I will touch base again. Until then, I welcome the word "habit". Something about the word "tic" is so upsetting.

I appreciate all your responses!

Eileen

[Guest mommy2111]

Eileen,

 

I look forward to seeing an update from you.

[Ace]

Hi,

 

I am new to these forums I have actully never even been on any forums about TS thoe i have had it all of my life. This topic caught my eye cause I have the same tic. I have had tics come and go but this one i have had since i was 7 I am now 21. If you need any info about this i can tell you everything i know from my own experince with it. that tic for me is my worst it can really tire you out, make your neck hurt really bad at time, and give you headaches among other things. My doctor tryed me on a med called clonadine a few years ago and it helped alot, but im not sure if your son is old enough for it. anyway i would like to hear more about your sons tics cause I never get to talk to anyone who has these problems because up untill 2 years ago i was the only person in the county i live in to have TS and no one around here even knows what it is.

[Chemar]

Hi Ace and a big welcome to you

 

when my son has head or neck tics I take him to see our chiropracter who helps with the pain and headaches that are caused because the tics knock out the allignment of the spine.

 

I am so surprised to hear there is no one in your county with TS...is that what your doctor told you? There probably are others, but either they are undiagnosed or something like that.

 

Anyway, it is great to have you here and we hope that you will chat often as this is a great place for sharing and caring!

[Ace]

Thanks for the welcome chmer,

 

it is really weird to actully talk with someone who knows what TS is All of my life I felt like i was an outcast and was treated like one by everyone kids, parents, even teachers treated me diffrent. I had my schools switched alot because no one knew what to do about my problem. serously No one around here has a clue what TS so everyone looks at me weird. I have grown use to it thoe it still hurts when someone says "Why do you shke your head, you smoke crack" That kinda stuff upsets me. There are a few people that have heard of TS here but donot know what it is and it sucks haveing no one to talk with about it.

Seriously thoe untill 2 years ago i was the only one in this county diagnosed with TS But I my self see it in some people here but I know all about TS.

Anyway Thanks for the welcom And I hop to be as helpful as i can in these forums.