Tics & cold sore link

[Guest bok1]

Hi,

This is my first post. We live near Melbourne, Australia.

My son is 13 & has had tics since about the age of 3. They are slight movements - eye blink, nose twitch, which are sometimes almost unbearably repetitive for him, & at other times, they are hardly present.

Over the past 10 years I can say with absolute certainty that when the ticcing increases & then becomes severe, this is alawys followed by a "cold sore"outbreak. I am not convinced that they are conventional cold sores, but this is the best description I can give

I discussed this with the pediatrician at length a couple of weeks ago, & of course, someone of his revered stature knew far more about it than a simpleton like myself - (wrong!) - & he would not even consider that they could be linked. I believe otherwise, so we are now trying magnesium, vitamin C, B ourselves We are working on the theory that if we can limit the outbreak of "cold sores" then we can minimise the ticcing. It is only early days yet, but my son feels that it is working, & even if it is only an increase in confidence that it gives him, then so be it. Other kids can be so mean at that age.

I am interested in the comments on allergies & tics.

Thanks for the info,

Regards,

BOK1

[Chemar]

Hi bok1 and welcome

 

The Herpes virus, which causes "cold sores' lodges in nerve ganglia and can remain dormant for long stretches.

Then, often under stress or illness and other stimuli, frequently neurally related, it becomes active and one of the first signs is a tingling sensation in the nerves of the affected area. Then the sore breaks out.

 

I certainly can see why your son would therefore have them occur when his tics intensify.

 

One of the most effective supplements for inhibiting the activity of the virus is L-LYSINE.

If taken at the first sign of the tingling it can often block an attack.

Folks who are susceptible find that it helps to take it as part of their daily supplement regimin, but at lower dose (say 250-500mg/day) and then up the dose to at least 1000mg/day when the signs come that the virus is active or when the sores erupt.

 

You are certainly far more acutely aware of this interaction between the tics and the cold sores than your doc, who really should be aware of the "neural" componant related to it.

 

Hope the L-Lysine proves helpful

Stay in touch!

[Robin O]

Hi Bok1, Just wanted to let you know than my sons tics always increase when he gets a cold sore. His ticcing usually increases a few days before the sore acturally appears. I hope you can find some relief for him. Robin