Jump to content
ACN Latitudes Forums

confused - transient or TS


bev

Recommended Posts

Hi all,

 

I am feeling confused today. I rang sons phsycologist to ask for a referral to a tourettes specialist (think there is only 1 in the UK) - and he asked why. I said I want to rule out PANDAS and dont want him labelled as he hasnt actually been diagnosed as tourettes etc..

Anyway, he said that he didnt think my son has tourettes - he just has tics! He said that my son would not be able to sit still at all and that he would have an obvious vocal tic if he had tourettes. Also my son doesnt display any of the other tourettes traits like OCD or ADHD etc..

 

He thinks its transient tics as opposed to tourettes.

 

I started son on supplements 2 weeks ago and have seen a big improvement, also cleaned up his diet considerably - mostly 'free from' foods and organic and no msg.

 

So, my question is - Can transient tics benefit from supplements and diet changes - or is it just tourettes that benefits from these changes?

 

I am giving him magnesium,taurate,vit b, and probiotic at the moment. He did have a head jerk - but since taking these things and eating better food it has improved considerably. I would say that his neck jerk rated as a 10 before and now its about a 2 or 3. His tummy tics have also reduced from about an 8 to a 2. He is 11 and has had tics since august last year. Previous to this he only had throat clearing since he was approx 7 or 8. I am wondering if he has reached the peak of tics because of his age and they are starting to decrease - or whether its the change in diet and supplements that has brought this about.

 

Any advice welcomed. Thanks. Bev x

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, transient tics can be helped by diet and supplements. As for the vocal tics, you said that he had throat clearing. I have understood that to be a vocal tic as is humming, sounds in the throat, etc.

My son hasn't had a true TS diagnosis but he does have OCD type anxiety, no ADHD though. His naturopath still doesn't think we have true TS, either. He said that I'd probably get a transient tics diagnosis from a neurologist too. Personally, I don't think the label of a diagnosis is important unless you're dealing with PANDAs and really need to start antibiotics or IVIG. For a tic to occur, something is going on neurologically so anything you can do to support the neuro. system would be the first line of defense. Whole foods, minimal to no processed foods and additives, etc. Magnesium supplementation, maybe some amino acids like taurine or glycine that calm the system too? I also think that ANYBODY would benefit from cutting out MSG, food colorings, HFCS, and highly processed foods no matter who they are. Our developed societies have gotten far away from eating whole foods as a staple in our diets. Just my 2cents!

 

B

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hi Bev

 

I think your psychologist is very wise to suggest waiting re a TS diagnosis as your son does seem to present with symptoms that are more likely "transient" tics, or tics triggered by something other than genetic TS

 

just an FYI, a tourette "specialist" would likely give the diagnosis and call PANDAS as well as the supplement treatment "quackery" :blink: Most of them are clueless as to anything other than TS, and usually they just prescribe those horrid drugs for it and tell you to come back in a year

 

and yes, diet, supps etc do seem to have tremendous benefits for all kinds of tics, not just TS

Link to comment
Share on other sites

bev,

I don't recall how long your son has had tics, but I am glad that your doctor told you that. just because a child has a tic or two doesn't necessarily mean it will be tourettes. For ts to be considered, the criteria is motor and vocal tic occuring for more than a period of one year without at least three months of being tic free. the tics do not have to occur simultaneously, or constantly, just be present for at least a year.

 

As far as the changes you've made, and them having a beneficial effect, is wonderful. I don't think it matters wether it is tourettes or a transient tics, for tics are tics, one way or the other. I think it is wise to look into the environmental causes for tics and behavioral problems first, as it can help a great deal as you are seeing now. Look at as many factors as you can, and note what seems to help and what doesn't.

 

Thanks for posting this and what you have tried. it actually reminds me tht I have fallen way off the wagon, altho I had to because my son is currently underweight for his age. but I think I can tighten up on some things again and may try an overhaul soon, as I can attest tht things were probably more than a bit better when we were on a more regimented diet and supplements. Mly advice, if something is working, stick with it.

 

Faith

Link to comment
Share on other sites

bev,

I don't recall how long your son has had tics, but I am glad that your doctor told you that. just because a child has a tic or two doesn't necessarily mean it will be tourettes. For ts to be considered, the criteria is motor and vocal tic occuring for more than a period of one year without at least three months of being tic free. the tics do not have to occur simultaneously, or constantly, just be present for at least a year.

 

As far as the changes you've made, and them having a beneficial effect, is wonderful. I don't think it matters wether it is tourettes or a transient tics, for tics are tics, one way or the other. I think it is wise to look into the environmental causes for tics and behavioral problems first, as it can help a great deal as you are seeing now. Look at as many factors as you can, and note what seems to help and what doesn't.

 

Thanks for posting this and what you have tried. it actually reminds me tht I have fallen way off the wagon, altho I had to because my son is currently underweight for his age. but I think I can tighten up on some things again and may try an overhaul soon, as I can attest tht things were probably more than a bit better when we were on a more regimented diet and supplements. Mly advice, if something is working, stick with it.

 

Faith

 

HI Faith,

 

The tics have been there since august last year, but he did have throat clearing since he was about 7ish - not sure if this was a habit or tics though! I am taking things slowly as i dont want to get confused with what is working and what isnt. Obviously i dont know how long he will be like this - so take the view that a healthier diet is best anyway as he is diabetic on a pump etc.. He is also slim, but i make sure he gets enough of the 'healthy' carbs' to help him grow etc. I think boys tend to be slim until they hit 14 or 15 and then start to bulk out - so not worried about his weight really. I am sure you do the best by your son - and if you have let things slip a little - dont feel guilty about it - family life can be exhausting and i think its ok to have times when things arent so intense. The fact that you recognise this is a plus! I have only been dealing with this for a few months - it must be draining if you have dealt with it for longer. I also have to deal with diabetes - which is a whole other world! But i just tell myself that my son needs a childhood and memories of things that other children do and we shouldnt let the tics or the diabetes rule us! Take care. Bev x

Link to comment
Share on other sites

This is some of the best news you could get! The fact that he is responding to some supps. and diet changes would suggest that transient tics is much more likely than clinical tourettes and they will get better over time. Even if it is tourettes, diet seems to help that too. I know since we have been on Bonnies Supps. and put our son on gluten free, he is so much better. He just seems to have some facial tics such as eyes and eyebrows lately mostly (I think) from his video games.

Lenny

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...